Visits  of  mcK.'y,^^.  ^^^'"J 
Ezra  stiles  Ely, 


/7lT:>^y^^^^^^^^^ 


N 


mmmA  ^TZLz^m^  mws  m®. 


VISITS  OF  MERCY? 


I'h-ni0i:> 


""^-^  OCT  1    192,C 


A 


homi^m^ 


y 

REV.  EZRA  STIIiES  ELY,   D.  D 


WRITTEN  WHILE  HE  WAS  STATED  PREACHER  TO  THE  HOSPITAL  AND 
ALMS-HOUSE,  IN  THE  CITY  OF  NEW  YORK. 


Vol.   I. 


giXTH  EDXTION — REVISED  BY  THE  AUTHOR. 


PHILADELPHIA: 
SAMUEL   F.  BRADFORD, 

JSSPER  HARDING,  PRINTER. 


1829 


Eastern  District  of  Peiuisylvania^  to  ivit  .• 

*•«»«««**•         BE  IT  REMEMBERED,  That  on  the  twenty-eigr..  . 

*  *  day  of  January,  in  the  fifty -third  year  of  the  Independence 

*  SEA!.     ,  ^jf  ^j^g  United  States  of  America,  A.  D.  1829,  the 

Ret.  Ezha  Stiles  Ely,  D.  D. 
of  the  said  district,  has  deposited  in  this  office  the  title  of  a  book,  t',2 
right  whereof  he  claims  as  proprietor,  in  the  words  following,  to  \ 

"  Visits  of  Mercys  or  the  Journals  of  the  Rev.  Ezra  Stiles  Ely,  D.  J). 
Written  while  he  was  stated  preacher  to  the  hospital  and  alms-house,^i; 
in  the  city  of  New  York." 

In  conformity  to  the  Act  of  the  Congress  of  tlie  United  States, 
intituled,  "  An  act  for  the  Encouragement  of  Learning,  by  securing  the 
copies  of  maps,  charts,  and  books,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of 
such  copies,  during  the  times  therein  mentioned."  And  also  to  the 
act,  entitled,  "  An  act  supplementary  to  an  act,  entitled,  "An  act  for 
the  encouragement  of  learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of  maps,  charts, 
and  books,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies  during  the 
times  therein  mentioned,"  and  extending  the  benefits  thereof  to  the 
arts  of  designing,  engraving,  and  etching  historical  and  other  prints.'' 

D.   CALDWELL, 
Clerk  of  the  Eastern  District  of  Pennsylvania. 


RECOMMENDATIONS. 


By  the  Rev.  Alexander  TFaKgh,  I).  D.  minister  of  the  Scots^ 
church,  Well  street,  Mary-le-bone;  and  the  Bev.  George 
Collison,  minister  of  the  Independent  church,  Walthamstow, 

"  A  MAN  is  doing  honour  to  his  own  heart  in  recom- 
mending to  the  public  notice  the  following  '  Journal,'  very 
appropriately  entitled  'Visits  of  Mercy.'  The  excel- 
lent author  seems  to  have  drunk  deep  at  the  spirit  of  Him, 
whose  bosom  was  the  dwelling  place  of  pity,  and  who 
went  about  doing  good.  What  a  blessing  to  the  work- 
houses, the  hospitals,  and  other  receptacles  of  poverty 
and  disease,  especially  in  great  cities,  were  men  of  his 
ability,  discernment,  and  tenderness  of  heart,  the  persons 
appointed  to  perform  in  them  the  duties  of  the  christian 
ministry ! 

"  In  every  page  of  the  work,  we  recognise  '  the  man  of 
feeling;'  but  it  is  the  feeling  of  the  renewed  heart,  en- 
larged as  is  the  range  of  human  wretchedness,  purified  by 
the  indwelling  Spirit  of  God,  and  ennobled  by  the  model 
on  which  it  is  formed.  We  assure  ourselves  of  the  thanks 
of  every  humane  and  pious  mind,  in  respectfully  intro- 
ducing a  work  so  happily  fitted  to  soften,  to  cleanse,  and 
to  exalt  the  heart  of  man,  and  give  energy  to  the  best 
affections  of  our  nature. 

Alexander  Waugh. 
George  Collison." 


IV  RECOMMENDATIONS. 

By  Benjamin  Rush^  M,  D, 

The  late  Dr.  Benjamin  Rush,  in  a  letter  to  Dr.  David 
Hosack,  dated,  Philadelphia,  January  2 1st,  1813,  thus 
writes  of  the  same  work: 

"  When  you  see  your  friend,  Mr.  Ely,  please  to  tell  him 
I  have  read  his  Journal  with  pleasure  and  instruction;  and 
that  I  shall  avail  myself  of  some  of  his  facts,  should  a 
second  edition  be  called  for,  of  my  late  publication  upon 
*  The  Diseases  of  the  Mind.' " 


From  several  Clergymen. 
"  We  have  read,  with  peculiar  gratification,  Ely's  First 
Journal,  which  breathes  a  spirit  of  ardent  piety,  and  zeal 
for  the  salvation  of  sinners;  and  exhibits  a  picture,  warm 
from  life,  of  the  consolatory  influence  of  the  religion  of  Je- 
sus. Ely's  Second  Journal,  which  is  now  offered  to  the 
public,  as  a  continuation  of  the  First,  we  are  persuaded  will 
have  the  same  excellent  tendency.  Both  of  these  little  vo- 
lumes we  most  cordially  recommend  to  the  serious  perusal 
of  all  christian  people,  and  wish  them  a  most  extensive  cir- 
culation, as  calculated  to  promote  the  best  interests  of  the 

church. 

Samuel  B.  Wylie,  D.  D. 
Pastor  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  in  Philada. 

James  R.  Wilson,  D.  D. 
Professor  of  the  Learned  Languages. 
Jacob  Broadhead,  D.  D. 
Pastor  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church. 
Henry  Holcombe,  D.  D. 
Pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church. 

George  C.  Potts,  A.  M. 
Pastor  of  the  4th  Presbyterian  Church,  Philada. 

Philadelphia^  Oct.  28,  1815." 


RECOMxMKNDATlOXS.  V 

"  We  have  read  with  pleasure  and  edification  the  First 
Journal  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ely,  and  are  happy  to  learn  that 
a  Second  is  about  appearing.  Publications  calculated  to 
awaken  christian  sympathy  and  benevolence,  by  unfolding 
the  miseries  of  depraved  and  suffering  humanity,  and  that 
have  a  tendency  to  exhibit  the  value  of  the  gospel  of  Christ 
as  a  means  of  regenerating  the  heart,  reforming  the  life, 
or  soothing  the  bed  of  dissolution,  cannot  be  too  widely 
circulated.  Mr.  Ely  has  our  best  wishes  for  his  success 
in  all  his  meritorious  and  active  endeavours  to  advance 
the  interests  of  the  Mediator's  kingdom. 

William  Staughton,  D.  D. 
Pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  Sansom  street,  Philada. 

William  Rogers,  D.  D. 
Late  Professor  in  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 

October  27th,  1815." 


By  several  London  Reviews. 

The  Eclectic  Review,  of  May  1814,  in  speaking  of  this 
work,  says,  **This  volume  contains  some  very  important 
instruction  to  the  profligate.  They  will  meet  with  awful 
relations  of  the  wretched  end  of  vice,  and  of  the  aggra- 
vated misery  which  will  fall  upon  those  who  follow  no 
guide  but  inclination,  and  who  obey  no  law  but  passion. 

"The  book  concludes  with  some  highly  interesting 
cases  of  insanity;  but  they  are  too  long  for  insertion. 
The  whole  is  written  in  a  perfectly  unaffected  style;  and 
many  passages  might  be  pointed  out,  of  just  and  lively 
description,  and  some  which  are  exquisitely  pathetic.** 

The  Evangelical  Magazine  for  July,  1813,  remarks,  "This 

A  2 


VI  RECOMMENDATIONS. 

work  was  lately  published  in  New  York,  under  the  patron- 
age of  Dr.  Romeyn,  with  a  recommendatory  preface  by 
Dr.  Philip  Milledoler.  In  this  country  it  comes  recom- 
mended by  two  of  our  respected  editors,  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Waugh  and  Collison,  whose  warm  encomiums  require  no 
addition,  except  it  be  that  of  Mr.  Osgood,  an  American 
minister  now  in  London,  who  had  a  personal  acquaintance 
with  the  author,  and  witnessed  his  benevolent  exertions, 
which  he  particularly  recommends  to  the  imitation  of 
those  who  visit  '  the  sick  and  the  poor  among  ourselves.'  " 
The  Evangelical  Magazine  for  September,  1813,  says, 
"  The  Visits  of  Mercy  are  well  worthy  the  perusal  of 
all  who  are  capable  of  feeling  for  the  natural  and  moral 
miseries  of  their  fellow-creaturesj  of  appreciating  the 
value  of  an  active,  devoted,  and  judicious  ministry;  or  of 
panting  after  a  share  of  its  immortal  honours." 


THE  AUTHOR'S  PREFACIS 

TO  THE  FIRST  EDITION  OF  HIS  FIRST  JOURNAL. 


The  author  of  the  following  Journal,  is  now  happy  to 
gratify  many  of  his  friends,  who  have  long  urged  the  pub- 
lication of  it.  To  all  those  who  have  contributed  to  the 
propagation  of  the  Gospel  among  the  poor  of  this  city, 
it  is  respectfully  inscribed;  and  particularly  to  the  Rev. 
John  B.  Romeyn,  D.  D.  whose  indisposition  has  prevent- 
ed him  from  performing  that  friendly  service,  which  he 
promised,  of  introducing  this  work  to  the  public.  He 
has  ever  cherished  the  author  in  his  ministerial  labours, 
and  having  sympathized  with  the  afflicted  poor,  was  deter- 
mined to  plead  their  cause.  His  benevolent  heart  will 
unite  with  me  in  gratitude  to  our  inestimable  friend,  the 
Rev.  Philip  Milledoler,  D.  D.  for  having  performed  the 
intended  labour  of  love. 

To  be  insensible  to  the  commendations  of  the  good, 
would  be  unchristain.  The  author  thanks  Dr.  Milledo- 
ler for  his  favourable  sentiments  and  personal  friendship. 
His  grateful  approbation,  however,  should  not  meet  the 
public  eye,  were  it  not  for  the  hope,  that  the  Doctor's  ad- 
dress will  prove  instrumental  in  founding  a  society  for  the 
support  of  the  Gospel  in  the  hospital  and  alms-house, 
which  shall  be  as  lasting  as  those  institutions.  The  writer 
may  express  this  hope,  without  the  imputation  of  selfish- 
ness; for,  having  performed  "a  tour  of  duty,'*  he  would 
wish  to  retire,  and  give  place  to  some  more  valiant  soldier 


Vlll  PREFACE. 

of  the  cross.  He  does  not  plead,  nor  desire  others  to 
plead,  for  himself.  Every  motive  of  a  personal  nature, 
which  presents  itself  to  his  mind,  urges  his  resignation; 
and,  possibly,  it  might  promote  the  cause  of  Christ,  to 
maintain  such  a  rotation  in  the  stated  preacher's  ofhce,  as 
would  give  many  young  ministers  the  opportunity  of  be- 
coming familiar  with  wretchedness  and  death.  "  It  is 
good  for  a  man  that  he  bear  the  yoke  in  his  youth." 
The  writer  has,  therefore,  relinquished  all  subscriptions 
in  his  favour;  but  will  never  cease  to  plead  that  the  Gospel 
may  be  preached  to  the  poor  within  our  cities,  to  the  pa- 
gans who  sit  in  the  darkness  of  death,  to  *' every  crea- 
ture." 

E.  S.  Ely. 
New  York^  Sept.  1812. 


THE  AUTHOR'S  FBXSFAOZ: 

TO  THE 

PRESENT  EDITION. 


The  following  pages  were  written  in  the  city  of  New 
York,  in  1811  and  1813.  That  portion  which  composed 
the  First  Journal  was  published  in  that  city,  in  1812,  as  a 
distinct  work^  and  soon  after  was  reprinted  in  London, 
under  the  title  of  '*  Visits  of  Mercy,"  which  was  pre- 
fixed to  it  without  the  knowledge  of  the  author.  The 
motto  of  the  original, 

"  Bliss  is  a  being  of  celestial  birth. 

Which  lightly  o'er  primeval  Eden  trod. 

Ascended  at  the  fall,  nor  deign'd  the  earth 

A  transient  visit  with  the  Son  of  God;*' 

was  also  exchanged,  by  the  English  publisher,  for  the 
following: 

<*  O  might  the  mantle  soon  descend, 

That  Howard's  gentle  spirit  clad. 
Give  humankind  a  general  friend. 

And  make  the  sons  of  sorrow  glad  ! 
Are  there,  who  groan  in  haunts  obscure. 

Whence  misery  banishes  the  gay; 
The  pale,  the  sick,  the  shivering  poor, — - 

And  shall  we  turn  our  hearts  away  ?" 

While  I  cordially  unite  in  the  aspiration  of  these  lines, 
and  feel  grateful  for  the  kind  regards  expressed  by  these 


X  PREFACE. 

changes,  I  must  confess  that  they  imply  praise,  which  I  do 
not  deserve ;  and  consent  to  retain  the  title  of  "  Visits  of 
Mercy,"  for  the  sake  of  the  advantage  vv^hich  may  result 
from  a  good  name. 

The  substance  of  my  Second  Journal  was  written  in 
1813,  and  published  in  Philadelphia  in  1815,  as  my  "Se- 
cond Journal."  This  also  was  reprinted  in  London  in 
the  following  year ;  and  soon  after  a  handsome  edition 
of  the  two  volumes  appeared  in  Ireland.  Having  been 
credibly  informed  that  not  less  than  four  editions  of  the 
work,  consisting  of  more  than  ten  thousand  copies,  have 
been  sold  in  England  and  Ireland,  I  am  not  without  hope 
that  the  present  impression  will  be  acceptable  in  my  own 
beloved  country. 

The  first  effort  which  the  author  made,  through  the 
press,  to  procure,  if  possible,  the  stated  preaching  of  the 
Gospel  for  the  poor  in  New  York,  was  by  the  publication 
of  his  "Sermon  for  the  Rich  to  Buy,"  on  Revelations 
xiv.  13.  In  the  pulpit  he  had  previously  exerted  himself 
on  the  subject;  when  he  thought  Providence  presented  a 
favourable  opportunity.  It  was  under  these  circumstances: 
a  large  and  respectable  assembly  was  convened  in  the 
Presbyterian  church  in  Cedar  street;  and  for  an  hour  sat 
anxiously  expecting  the  Rev.  Dr.  J.  M.  Mason.  By  some 
misunderstanding  he  did  not  come.  A  young  gentleman, 
who  sat  next  to  me  in  a  pew,  said,  "It  is  a  shame  that 
there  should  be  five  ministers  here,  and  not  one  of  you 
will  preach  !"  I  replied,  "If  no  one  else  consents,  I  will^" 
which  was  soon  published  to  the  audience,  who  had  by 
this  time  arisen  to  depart.  My  trembling  steps  scarce 
supported  me  to  the  pulpit;  for  I  had  made  no  previous 
preparation  for  the  occasion,  and  I  never  preached  a  ser- 


PREFACE.  XI 

mon  from  having  committed  it  to  memory  in  my  life. 
What  rendered  the  matter  worse,  I  had  to  read  Rouse's 
version  of  the  Psalmsj  to  vi^hich  I  w^as,  at  that  time,  wholly 
unaccustomed^  and  I  happened  to  fall  on  no  very  smooth 
portion,  yet  one  that  seemed  descriptive  of  my  situation: 

"Like  pelican  in  wilderness. 

Forsaken  I  have  been: 
I,  like  an  owl,  in  desert  am, 

That  nightly  there  doth  moan: 
I  watch,  and,  like  a  sparrow,  am 

On  the  house-top  alone." 

Fsalm  102,  verse  6. 

In  prayer,  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  increase  my  strength^ 
and  I  was  enabled  in  discoursing  to  say,  boldly,  in  the 
language  of  my  text,  "As  much  as  in  me  is,  I  am  ready 
to  preach  the  gospel  to  you."  In  the  application,  I  ex- 
horted those  to  whom  the  gospel  is  precious,  to  send  it 
to  the  destitute;  and  especially  to  the  poor  in  their  own 
city.  The  real  state  of  the  hospital  and  alms-house  was 
then  portrayed;  but  the  citizens  would  hardly  believe  me. 
It  could  not  be,  many  said,  that  these  places  were  so  des- 
titute. This  induced  me  to  publish  the  substance  of  my 
application  in  a  new  discourse  from  another  text,  which 
was  soon  followed  by  my  Journal;  and  not  without  effect. 

Another  circumstance  relative  to  my  First  Journal  may 
now  be  safely  told;  and  perhaps  will  be  interesting.  When 
I  had  written  out  nearly  a  quire  of  paper  relative  to  the 
lunatics,  three  gentlemen,  I  believe  through  the  instiga- 
tion of  one  of  them,  now  gone  to  his  Judge,  requested  a 
sight  of  my  manuscript.  They  were  managers  of  the 
hospital,  and  the  committee  for  the  lunatic  apartment. 
It  would  not  do,  I  thought,  to  refuse  their  request.  When 


ill  PREFACE* 

they  had  obtained  my  papers,  which  I  had  written  in  the 
room  of  the  maniacs,  they  refused  to  return  them,  on  the 
plea  that  the  publication  of  them  would  injure  the  insti- 
tution. One  of  them  sent  me  word,  that  they  would  not 
deliver  them,  if  I  should  bring  a  suit  against  them,  and 
it  should  cost  them  thousands  of  dollars.  I  was  subse- 
quently informed,  that  they  had  committed  my  manu- 
script to  the  flames;  and  thus  perished  the  best  portion 
of  my  work. 

Regrets  on  this  subject  I  knew  to  be  unavailing,  and 
controversy  with  rich  men  impracticable  for  a  pennyless 
young  clergyman;  so  I  made  use  of  the  few  rough  sketches 
which  I  had  left,  and  put  my  memory  in  requisition  to 
reproduce  something  like  the  original.  The  result  ap- 
pears under  the  head  of  Insanity,  What  injury,  if  any, 
this  part  of  my  First  Journal  has  ever  done  any  one,  I 
have  yet  to  learn. 

E.  S.  Ely. 

Philadelphia,  January  1,  1829. 


PREFATORY  ADDRESS, 

To  the  Members  of  the  Presbyterian  and  Reformed  Dutch 
Churches,  in  the  city  of  New  York: 

By  Philip  Milledoler,  D.  D. 


Dear  Brethren, 

It  is  well  known  to  many  of  you,  that  the  alms-house  and 
hospital  of  this  city  were,  previously  to  the  year  1810,  in 
a  very  destitute  situation,  in  point  of  Gospel  privileges. 
Whilst  unremitting  care  has  been  exercised  in  those  im- 
portant institutions,  for  preserving  the  lives  and  health  of 
their  inhabitants,  the  immortal  part,  uncherished  and  un- 
cultivated, has  been  suifered  to  pine  away  with  famine  of 
the  word  of  God. 

The  attention  of  the  religious  public  has,  for  some  time 
past,  been  called  to  this  subject,  by  the  Rev.  Ezra  Stiles 
Ely,  a  member  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York.  In  June, 
1810,  he  began  to  preach  in  the  alms-house,  and  in  the 
month  of  October,  of  the  same  year,  in  the  hospital.  In 
November  following,  a  form  of  subscription  was  drafted, 
and  subscribed  by  a  number  of  individuals,  who  were  prin- 
cipally of  the  Presbyterian  and  Dutch  communion  of  this 
city,  for  the  maintenance  of  the  Gospel  in  those  places. 
Mr.  Ely  was  retained  as  their  stated  preacher,  and  has  la- 
boured in  the  charge  assigned  him,  from  that  time  to  the 
present,  with  approved  ability,  and  indefatigable  zeal. 

VOL.   I.  B 


XIV  PREFATORY  ADDRESS. 

Of  the  nature  and  success  of  his  labours,  some  estimate 
may  be  formed  from  the  interesting  journal  contained  in 
this  book.  The  writer  of  this  address  has  not  read  the 
whole  journal,  but  judges  from  what  he  has  seen,  that  it 
will  excite  greater  attention  to  the  subject  of  which  it 
treats,  than  has  ever  yet  existed.  These  documents  prove 
their  author  to  have  taken  a  deep  interest  in  his  work. 
They  prove  also,  with  overwhelming  conviction,  the  im- 
portance of  missionary  labour,  in  those  asylums  of  wretch- 
edness and  wo,  with  which  he  has  been  conversant. 

It  is  with  extreme  regret,  that  we  have  witnessed  the 
failure  of  pecuniary  resources  in  the  prosecution  of  his  de- 
signs. It  is  a  fact,  however,  which  ought  not  to  be  con- 
cealed, although  he  has  requested  me  to  be  silent  on  this 
subject,  that  our  missionary  has  hitherto  laboured  in  that 
point,  under  the  most  distressing  embarrassments.  Solely 
dependent  on  a  precarious  subscription,  which  he  has  now 
entirely  relinquished,  his  receipts  have  never  exceeded 
half  the  necessary  support  of  a  single  man.  For  want  of 
proper  arrangements  at  the  outset,  he  has  been  under  the 
disagreeable  necessity  of  being  his  own  solicitor,  account- 
ant, and  collector.  Having,  commenced  his  labours  under  a 
plan  radically  defective,  he  has  submitted  to  all  the  evils 
growing  out  of  it;  and  for  two  years  has  faithfully  preach- 
ed Jesus  Christ,  and  him  crucified,  in  the  alms-house,  and 
for  the  same  time,  lacking  only  a  few  days,  in  the  hospital. 

Shall  an  object  of  such  magnitude  as  this,  my  brethren, 
in  such  a  city  as  this,  be  abandoned,  or  even  suspended, 
for  want  of  pecuniary  aid?  Great  as  it  is  in  its  present 
and  eternal  consequences,  shall  it  be  suffered  to  languish 
and  die  under  our  eyes?  No,  it  is  hoped  and  believed  that 
it  will  not  be  abandoned. 


PREFATORY  ADDRESS.  XV 

That  efficient  measures  should  be  taken  for  the  continu- 
ance of  the  Gospel  in  those  institutions,  will  appear, 

1st.  From  the  importance  of  the  object. 

By  the  last  report  of  the  superintendent  of  the  alms- 
house, there  were  1409  persons  dependent  on  that  institu- 
tion. Of  this  number  it  is  supposed  that  800  at  least  are 
capable  of  receiving  religious  instruction.  The  hospital 
admits  not  less  than  a  thousand  different  patients  in  the 
course  of  each  year;  some  of  these  remain  a  few  weeks,  and 
others  several  months.  Two  hundred  persons,  on  an  ave- 
rage, annually  die  in  the  two  institutions.  What  a  field  of 
labour  does  this  offer  to  a  faithful  ministry !  Here  are 
some  insane  persons,  in  whose  case  the  prudent  converse 
of  a  spiritual  physician,  may  advantageously  second  the  ef- 
forts of  medical  skill.  Here  many  children  need  instruc- 
tion, who,  without  it,  might  become  the  future  pests  of 
society.  Here  are  pious  souls  oppressed  with  poverty  and 
disease,  who  hail  the  approach  of  a  minister  of  Jesus,  with 
almost  as  much  joy  and  gratitude,  as  if  he  were  an  angel 
from  heaven.  There  are  doubtless  some,  who  enter  these 
institutions  with  minds  shrouded  in  ignorance,  and  hearts 
hardened  in  sin:  to  them,  how  necessary  is  it  that  divine 
instruction  should  be  communicated,  and  one  more  effort 
made  to  snatch  them  from  perdition!  Such  an  attempt 
is  intercepting  them  on  the  very  borders  of  destruction. 
Whatever  may  be  the  issue,  it  is  interesting,  it  is  rational, 
it  is  godlike.  That  men  are  often  called  to  repentance  by 
afflictive  dispensations  of  Providence,  who  will  deny? 
When  their  bodies  are  wasting  with  disease,  or  their  souls 
sinking  in  despondence,  dark  is  that  mind  which  does  not 
anticipate  futurity,  and  hard  that  heart  which  is  uninflu- 
enced by  the  gospel.   There  are  such  characters,  we  know; 


XVI  PREFATORY  ADDRESS. 

but,  on  the  other  hand,  are  there  not  many  who  will  have 
eternal  cause  to  rejoice  in  afflictions,  sanctified  by  grace 
to  their  salvation? 

To  extend  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation  is  a  great  chris- 
tian duty;  and  the  true  disciples  of  Jesus  every  where  ac- 
knowledge it.  To  fulfil  this  duty,  missionary  societies  have 
been  formed  in  our  own  country,  as  well  as  in  Europe. 
Distant  missions  to  the  heathen  have  been  planned  and 
executed.  That  spirit  which  has  deplored  their  situation, 
and  attempted  their  relief,  we  honour  and  rejoice  in.  But 
shall  we  neglect  missionary  ground  under  our  eye,  and  at 
our  very  doors.^  Whilst  we  explore  far  distant  regions  of 
missionary  labour,  shall  we  pass  over  our  own  fields, 
which  are  whitening  to  the  harvest?  The  wisdom  of  such 
conduct  is  exceedingly  questionable.  The  soul  of  a  pauper 
in  the  alms-house  of  New  York,  is  as  valuable  as  the  soul 
of  an  Indian  on  the  banks  of  the  Ganges.  Whilst  our  eyes 
then  are  turned  to  the  distant  harvest-fields,  let  us  not  leave 
our  own  uncultivated  or  ungathered. 

To  urge  the  necessity  of  immediate  attention  to  this  sub- 
ject, I  would  observe, 

2dly.  That  if  any  thing  is  done,  it  must  be  done  by  indi- 
viduals. 

Benefactions  of  a  public  or  private  nature,  may  hereafter 
forward  this  work  of  charity;  but  the  foundation  of  it  must 
be  laid  in  individual  enterprise.  It  is  doubted  whether 
the  corporation  of  this  city  have  power  to  appropriate 
any  part  of  their  funds  for  the  support  of  a  religious  in- 
structer  in  the  alms-house.  If  they  have  not,  it  cannot  be 
expected;  if  they  have,  they  may  wish  to  avoid  the  charge 
of  partiality  to  a  particular  denomination. 

Jealousy  between  different  denominations,  in  a  case  like 


PREFATORY  ADDRESS.  XVU 

this,  never  has,  and  we  have  reason  to  believe  from  the 
nature  of  it,  never  will  appear.  Be  this,  however,  as  it 
may,  something  should  be  done  for  the  relief  of  these  in- 
stitutions, as  soon  as  possible.  We  acknowledge  it  as  a 
just  principle,  that  privileges  extended  to  one  denomina- 
tion, should  be  equally  allowed  to  others;  and  that  favours 
conferred  on  one,  should  be  common  to  all.  As  we,  there- 
fore, arrogate  to  ourselves  no  exclusive  privilege,  none 
can  have  a  right  to  complain. 

It  may  be  supposed  by  some,  that  if  the  clergy  should 
visit  those  institutions  in  their  turn,  it  would  supersede 
the  necessity  of  employing  a  missionary.  Such  an  ob- 
jection, if  made,  is  founded  in  ignorance  of  the  situation 
of  the  clergy,  as  well  as  of  the  duties  to  be  performed  by 
such  a  missionary.  The  writer  of  this  address  is  per- 
suaded that  the  ministers  of  the  Gospel  in  tfeis  city,  are  dis- 
posed to  do  their  duty;  but  he  also  knows  that  a  faithful 
observance  of  duties  in  their  own  charges  is  enough,  and 
in  many  instances  more  than  enough,  to  occupy  their 
whole  time  and  attention.  Such  of  the  laity  as  are  best  ac- 
<]uainted  with  ecclesiastical  affairs  know  this  statement  to 
be  correct.  But  again,  if  they  are  to  preach  in  those  insti- 
tutions, they  ought  to  officiate  on  the  Sabbath,  and  must 
consequently  leave  their  own  churches  unsupplied.  But 
occasional  preaching  is  not  the  whole,  nor  even  a  principal 
part  of  what  is  to  be  done  in  those  institutions.  The  per- 
son charged  with  the  spiritual  care  of  them,  should  be 
daily  at  his  post.  To  form  an  acquaintance  with  his  charge, 
to  know  their  characters,  to  exhort  and  rebuke  with  all 
long-suffering  and  gentleness,  to  dry  away  the  tears  of  the 
afflicted,  to  pour  oil  and  wine  into  the  festering  wounds  of 
the  broken-hearted  mourner,  to  counsel  and  pray  with  the 

b2 


XVlll  PREFATORY  ADDRESS. 

dying,  and  daily  to  preach  from  ward  to  ward,  and  from 
couch  to  couch,  Jesus  and  the  resurrection;  these  are  a 
specimen  of  the  labours  of  a  missionary  in  those  houses; 
and  if  this  be  not  done,  the  object  to  be  accomplished, 
is  not,  and  cannot,  be  attained. 

Can  all  these  duties  be  performed  by  the  stationed  pas- 
tors of  this  city?  No,  it  is  impossible;  they  may  mourn 
over  the  omission,  but  they  cannot  supply  it.  Abundantly 
furnished  with  the  means  of  grace  for  ourselves,  brethren, 
are  we  not  called  by  every  consideration  that  can  influence 
the  human  mind,  to  extend  these  blessings  to  the  poor, 
the  destitute,  and  the  friendless?  It  is  characteristical  of 
the  Gospel,  that  it  should  be  preached  to  the  poor;  and 
shall  we  suffer  them  to  starve  at  our  doors  for  the  bread  of 
life?  Can  we  excuse  it  to  our  consciences,  or  can  we  an- 
swer it  to  our  God?  '*  Freely  ye  have  received,  freely 
give,"  was  a  command  of  Christ  to  his  disciples;  a  com- 
mand which  will  apply  to  us,  in  relation  to  this  subject, 
with  peculiar  emphasis.  The  members  of  Christ  may 
suffer,  but  they  are  his  members  still;  and  let  us  not  for- 
get that  what  is  done  for  the  least  of  these  his  brethren  in 
tribulation,  he  will  graciously  consider  as  done  unto  him- 
self. 

You  will  undoubtedly  pardon  the  author  of  this  address, 
brethren,  for  the  liberty  he  has  taken.  He  has  felt  himself 
constrained  to  be  urgent  on  this  subject.  The  object  held 
up  to  your  view,  he  considers  of  incalculable  import- 
ance, and  deprecates  the  idea  of  its  abandonment.  He 
knows  there  are  many  claims  on  your  liberality,  but  who 
among  you  is  the  poorer  for  them  all?  We  live  in  trou- 
blous times,  but  shall  we,  therefore,  cease  to  live  actively 
for  Christ  ?  If  what  has  been  said,  shall  have  a  tendency  to 


PREFATORY  ADDRESS.  XIX 

draw  your  attention  to  this  subject,  he  will  think  it  an 
honour  to  associate  with  such  as  may  wish  to  carry  it  in- 
to effect.  And  if  he  can  be  in  any  wise  instrumental  in 
fixing  the  Gospel  on  a  permanent  foundation  in  those  in- 
stitutions, he  will  consider  it  as  one  of  the  happiest  events 
of  his  life. 

That  it  may  please  God  in  all  things  to  direct  you,  and 
that  grace,  mercy,  and  peace,  from  God  our  Father,  and  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  may  be  multiplied  to  you  and  yours,  is 
the  prayer  of. 

Dear  brethren, 
Your  friend  and  servant  in  the  Lord, 

Ph.  Milledoler, 
New  York,  Sept.  16M,  18 12, 


VISITS  OF  MERCY, 


FIRST  JOURKTAZ.. 


January  1,  1811. 


He  that  finds 


One  drop  of  heaven's  sweet  mercy  in  his  cup, 

Can  dig",  beg,  rot,  and  perish,  well  content, 

So  he  may  wrap  himself  in  honest  rags 

At  his  last  gasp.'*  Cowpbr. 

Since  the  first  of  October  last,  the  patients  in  the  hos- 
pital have  had  the  opportunity  of  hearing  one  discourse 
on  every  Lord's  day.  Out  of  the  two  hundred  persons  in 
this  institution,  about  half  have  been  sufficiently  restored 
to  health  to  attend  public  worship.  All  pay  a  decent, 
many  a  solemn,  and  some  a  devout,  attention  to  the 
preached  gospel.  Several  persons,  by  their  dying  con- 
victions and  anxieties,  have  excited  a  deep  interest  in  my 
heart,  but  since  I  did  not  then  write  a  description  of  their 
last  glimmerings,  I  shall  not  now  attempt  it.  In  future, 
some  of  the  most  interesting  cases  which  present  them- 
selves shall  be  recorded  in  "the  short,  and  simple  annals 
of  the  poor." 

Previous  to  this  date,  I  have  delivered  twenty-three 
discourses  in  the  alms-house.     The  poor  in  this  institu- 


22  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

tion  throng  the  places  of  public  worship:  and  rarely  have 
I  had  the  pleasure  of  witnessing,  in  any  audience,  more 
lively  gratitude  for  the  glorious  gospel  of  the  grace  of 
God.  Most  assemblies,  from  the  frequency  of  preaching, 
and  from  the  circumstance  of  their  supporting  the  minis- 
try, appear  to  consider  the  messages  of  grace  a  matter  of 
course;  and  ministers  of  reconciliation,  servants  sold  to 
discharge  a  pecuniary  debt:  but  these  poor  people  con- 
sider every  exhibition  of  divine  compassion  to  be  really  a 
gratuitous  offering  on  the  part  of  God.  To  them  the 
gospel  is  a  gift  to  which  they  have  no  «laim,  and  for 
which  many  of  theiri  bless  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ. 

In  some  instances,  I  am  constrained  to  believe,  that  the 
ministration  of  the  word  has  been  accompanied  by  a  di- 
vine and  saving  influence.  Some  have  been  convinced  of 
sin;  some  aged  believers  comforted;  and,  I  trust,  some 
converted.  At  present,  I  will  simply  state  the  case  of 
three  persons;  and  in  future,  record  events  as  they  pass, 
or  leave  them  in  obscurity  until  the  revelation  of  the  last 
day. 

An  aged  woman  was  often  visited,  and  instructed  in  the 
things  which  appertain  to  a  sinner's  peace.  For  three  or 
four  days,  with  the  intermission  of  only  a  few  moments, 
besides  those  of  sleep,  she  would  exclaim,  ''O  Lord 
Jesus!  I  am  a  vile  sinner:  I  deserve  hell;  but,  oh!  pardon 
me!  pardon  all  my  sins!  Lord  Jesus,  I  come  to  thee,  I 
confess  to  thee,  I  trust  in  thee:"  and  with  these  expres- 
sions on  her  lips,  she  died. 

A  young  man  of  about  twenty-seven  years  of  age,  was 
visited  in  his  last  sickness.  When  I  approached  him,  he 
was  convulsed  with  coughing,  which  was  excited  in  part 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  23 

by  the  smoke  of  a  very  offensive  pipe,  which  an  old  man 
was  using  in  a  distant  part  of  the  room.  The  sick  man 
told  me  he  should  soon  recover,  could  he  be  delivered 
from  that  tormenting  smoke.  His  lungs,  however,  were 
affected  by  something  worse  than  the  fumes  of  tobacco. 
At  my  reproof,  and  request,  the  pipe  was  abandoned, 
and  all  who  were  in  the  room  drew  around  the  sick  man's 
bed  to  listen  to  our  discourse.  For  a  time,  the  young 
man  was  determined  that  he  would  recover,  and  flattered 
himself,  as  people  commonly  do,  whose  vitals  are  wither- 
ing with  the  consumption.  Frankly  I  told  him  that  I  saw 
the  presage  of  death  in  his  eyes.  '*  What  do  you  see  in 
my  eyes?"  demanded  he,  and  turning  his  face  from  me, 
covered  it  from  observation.  "They  are  glossy:  but 
whether  you  live  or  die,  it  is  desirable  that  you  should 
know  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who 'gave  him- 
self to  death  for  the  redemption  of  enemies.  He  died  for 
sinners;  for  such  sinners  as  we  are;  and  with  a  desire  that 
you  should  be  saved  by  him,  I  come  to  speak  of  Jesus. 
But  I  would  not  impose  my  discourse  upon  you."  He 
turned  his  face  to  me  again,  but  would  not  admit  that  he 
might  soon  die.  I  attempted  to  convince  him  of  sin,  and 
of  the  righteousness  which  is  in  Christ.  He  requested 
me  to  pray  for  him;  and  after  prayer  was  offered,  I  had 
the  satisfaction,  sweet  and  mournful  to  the  soul,  of  hearing 
him,  who  had  sedulously  excluded  the  thoughts  of  death 
and  judgment  from  his  mind,  confess,  *'  Well !  I  am  a  sin- 
ner !  O  I  am  a  sinner  1"  This  he  repeated  three  times, 
with  such  peculiarity  of  emphasis,  as  to  convince  all  pre- 
sent, that  the  confession  had  never  before  escaped  from 
his  lips.  I  saw  him  no  more;  for  soon  after  this  inter- 
view he  departed  from  the  earth. 


24  VISITS  OF  MERCT. 

The  last  case  which  I  shall  state,  is  that  of  an  aged  wo- 
man, who  for  three  or  four  weeks,  while  attending  to  the 
concerns  of  her  own  soul,  was  in  wretchedness,  little  in- 
ferior to  that  of  despair.     When  she  heard  the  word  of 
God,  she  trembled  like  a  criminal  receiving  the  sentence 
of  condemnation.     She  was  an  object  of  pity  to  all  who 
knew  her,  and  could  feel  sympathy  with  the  miserable. 
She  was  fervently  remembered  in  prayer,  by  those  who 
personally  knew  the  joys  of  pardoned  sin.     Formerly  she 
had  entertained  hope  of  acceptance  with  God^  but  she  had 
departed  from  her  Comforter,  and  now  she  was  the  prey 
of  a  guilty  conscience.    While  she  was  in  this  situation, 
I  was  prevailed  upon  by  some  sick  persons  to  preach 
once  more  than  usual  in  the  week.     For  this  third  dis- 
course I  had  selected  a  subject,  and  was  prepared  to 
speak,  but  did  not  commit  even  the  text  to  paper.   While 
on  my  way  to  the  place  of  worship,  I  reviewed  my  plan, 
and  thought  I  retained  it  perfectly.     But  in  the  prayer 
before   sermon,  the  words  of  the   apostle,   recorded  in 
Romans  v.  1.  took  possession  of  my  whole  soul.    "There- 
fore, being  justified  by  faith,  we  have  peace  with  God, 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ."     My  former  text,  and 
the  whole  arrangement  of  thought,  were  gone  from  me. 
The  attempt  to  find  the  place,  and  recall  the  perfectly 
familiar  subject,  was  vain.     This  was  a  sufficient  intima- 
tion of  my  duty,  and  by  divine  assistance,  I  descanted 
freely  on  justification  by  faith,  and  that  peace  with  God, 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  which  results  from  it. 
While  speaking  I  did  not  know  that  this  distressed  wo- 
man was  present^  but  when  about  to  leave  the  room,  she 
arose  from  her  humble  seat  behind  the  door,  detained  me 
by  holding  my  coat,  and  then,  clasping  my  hands,  wet 


VI3IT3   or   MERCY.  25 

them  with  tears.  She  would  have  spoken,  but  seemed 
unable.  **This  woman,"  I  said,  turning  to  a  judicious 
friend,  who  had  accompanied  me  to  judge  of  the  expedi- 
ency of  preaching  the  Gospel  in  this  place,  ''  is  the  person 
of  whose  deep  convictions  of  sin  I  have  often  told  you." 
*'  O  yes,  sir!"  she  exclaimed,  with  inexpressible  emotions, 
"and  I  feel  myself  as  wicked  now,  as  I  did  then.  I'm  a 
poor  vile  sinner;  but  I  think,  being  justified  by  faith,  I  be- 
gin again  to  have  peace  with  God,  througli  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ."  "Do  you  perceive,"  it  was  asked,  "that  God 
can  be  just  in  justifying  the  ungodly,  who  believe;  and 
is  Christ  precious  to  you?"  She  replied,  "I  think 
Christ  has  now  got  the  highest  place  in  my  heart,  and, 
O,  I  pray  God,  he  would  aye  keep  him  there!"  My  com- 
panion, as  well  as  myself,  was  rendered  speechless,  by  the 
tenderness  of  her  love  to  Jesus;  and  we  passed  away,  un- 
der the  full  conviction,  if  not  the  exhilarating  impression, 
that  unto  those  who  believe,  He  is  precious. 


January  5th. 

"This  is  the  desert,  this  the  solitude; 

How  populous,  how  vital  is  the  gravel" — Youko. 

This  afternoon,  a  dying  man  at  the  hospital  sent  a  re- 
quest to  see  me.  I  went  immediately;  but  it  was  too  late 
for  a  spiritual  physician  to  learn  any  of  the  peculiar  symp- 
toms of  his  spiritual  malady.  With  all  his  exertions  he 
could  not  speak.  In  such  a  case,  what  could  be  done,  but 
make  a  general  application  of  the  Balm  of  Gilead  ?  I  ad- 
dressed him  as  a  sinner,  in  the  last  hour  of  life,  with  this 
instigation  to  faithfulness;    **  he  will  very  soon  give  an 


26  VISITS   OF   MERCY. 

account  of  this  interview  to  God."  He  signified  that  he 
wished  me  to  pray.  After  I  had  complied  with  his  de- 
sire, I  turned  my  attention  to  eight  or  ten  miserable  com- 
panions in  sickness,  who  could  not  probably  long  survive 
the  death  of  the  departing  person.  They  felt  for  him,  but 
were  almost  unconcerned  for  themselves.  They  calculated 
upon  recovery.     How  lamentably  true  is  the  declaration, 

"  All  men  think  all  men  mortal  but  themselves!'* 
In  half  an  hour  after  I  left  the  house,  the  sick  man  died; 
and  in  the  same  afternoon,  two  other  patients  followed  to 
the  state  of  the  dead. 


January  6ih. 

"  How  many  fall  as  sudden,  not  as  safe; 

As  sudden,  though  for  years  admonish'd  home. 

Of  human  ills,  the  last  extreme  beware, 

Beware,  Lorenzo,  a  slow-sudden  death. 

Tlow  dreadful  that  deliberate  surprise! 

Be  wise  to  day;  'tis  madness  to  defer." — Youso. 

In  the  morning  of  this  day,  the  Rev.  Mr.  A.  preached 
for  me  in  the  hospital;  and  after  divine  service  I  visited 
several  rooms,  in  which  were  patients  on  the  border  of 
the  grave.  In  the  afternoon  I  preached  in  the  alms-house. 
There  a  woman  of  middle  age  lay  before  me,  who  had  been 
moral  in  deportment,  industrious  in  the  office  of  an  upper 
servant,  but  who,  in  a  decline  of  eighteen  months,  had  ex- 
pended, on  many  physicians,  all  which  her  industry  had 
accumulated,  for  the  probable  wants  of  decrepitude.  About 
five  weeks  since  she  was  brought  into  this  place,  to  rest 
for  a  short  space  on  the  arm  of  public  charity,  and  then 


VISITS   OF   MERCY.  27 

sink  into  the  common  grave.  I  have  been  acquainted 
with  her  ever  since  her  residence  in  this  asylum  for  po- 
verty and  wretchedness.  Twice  I  have  preached  in  her 
hearing,  and  often  prayed  with  her.  At  each  time  she  had 
perfect  possession  of  her  reason,  and  appeared  to  under- 
stand my  discourse.  A  few  days  since,  after  I  had  prayed 
with  her,  she  uttered  a  sentence  which  deserves  to  be  re- 
membered. 

*'  I  desire  to  bless  and  praise  my  God  for  all  his  chas- 
tisements; and  especially,  I  bless  him,  painful  as  my  sick- 
ness is,  and  mortifying  as  it  was  to  come  to  the  poor- 
house,  that  he  has  brought  me  to  this  place,  since 
within  these  walls,  as  within  the  walls  of  a  prison,  I 
have  been  shut  up  to  the  Gospel,  and  have  for  the 
first  time  in  my  life  heard  the  good  news  with  joy." 
She  uttered  these  words  with  painful  respiration,  in  a 
whisper,  and  was  necessltaled  lo  make  a  long  pause  after 
each  member  of  the  sentence.  It  was  astonishing  that 
she  could,  in  her  weak  state,  utter  so  long  a  sentence,  with 
such  accuracy  and  pith.  What  could  she  have  said,  to  ex- 
press more  strongly  her  high  estimation  of  the  Gospel  ? 
*'Had  I  not  been  sent  here,  against  my  will,"  she  added, 
''I  might  never  have  known  Jesus  Christ."  To-day  she 
was  far  gone,  but  still  retained  her  mental  powers.  When 
we  sung  these  words, 

"  I  yield  my  powers  to  thy  command, 
To  thee  I  consecrate  my  days; 

Perpetual  blessings  from  thy  hand. 
Demand  perpetual  songs  of  praise:" 

she  lifted  up  her  hands  to  heaven,  clasped  them,  let  them 
fall  on  her  bosom,  and  swooned.  After  public  worship 
was  concluded,  she  was  so  much  revived,  as  to  express 


28  visits   OF  MEUCY. 

a  wish  to  see  me.  I  approached  her  bed.  She  made 
great  exertions  to  speak,  but  1  could  only  hear  her  say, ''  I 
feel  differently at  times. I'm  afraid  that  I  de- 
ceive myself."  This  fear  I  told  her  was  an  evidence  that 
she  did  not  trust  in  herself.  "  He  that  trusteth  in  his  own 
heart  is  a  fool."  She  was  less  likely  to  be  deluded  than 
self-confident  persons.  When  I  bade  her  farewell,  she 
stretched  out  her  hand  to  me,  and  pressing  mine,  said, 
"'  pray pray  for  me." 


January  9th. 

When  I  left  the  trembling  believer,  on  the  last  sabbath, 
I  bade  her  a  final  farewell,  informing  her  that  I  should  see 
her  no  more  until  we  meet  at  the  judgment-seat  of  Christ. 
At  three  o'clock  this  morning,  she  fell  asleep.  She  had 
been  baptized  in  her  infancy,  was  a  regfular  attendant  on 
Trinity  church,  and  lived,  as  the  world  say,  *'a  good, 
moral  life."  During  several  weeks  she  appeared  to  pos- 
sess "a  broken  and  contrite  heart."  May  it  not  be  rea- 
sonably supposed  that  she  sleeps  in  Jesus.^  Should  one  soul 
be  saved  in  the  course  of  a  year's  service,  I  shall  be  com- 
pensated, and  those  benevolent  persons  who  contribute  to 
my  support  will  not  lose  their  reward. 


January  lOth, 

"  See  the  dim  lamp  of  life  just  feebly  lift 
An  agonizing  beam,  at  us  to  gaze, 
Then  sink  again,  and  quiver  into  death. 
The  most  pathetic  herald  of  our  own." — Younq. 

After  preaching  this  evening  to  the  poor  in  the  alms- 
house, I  went  by  request  to  pray  with  two  females,  who 


VISITS  OF   MERCY.  29 

have  attended  on  my  ministry,  and  are  now  confined  to 
their  beds.  One  is  an  aged  widow,  who  is  pious,  and  who, 
I  believe,  will  recover,  to  limp  along  through  life,  on  two 
crutches,  to  everlasting  glory.  She  will  recover,  to  suffer 
more  pain,  and  peddle  pin-cushions  to  procure  some  of 
the  conveniences  of  life,  which  cannot  be  distributed  in 
public  alms-houses.  O !  it  is  astonishing  that  the  heirs  of 
heaven  should  be  found  in  such  circumstances;  that  the 
friends  of  Jesus,  who  are  to  share  the  felicity  of  heaven 
with  him,  should  be  made  meet  for  glory,  through  extreme 
humiliation! 

The  other  person  is  a  younger  widow,  whose  hands  and 
feet,  having  been  frozen,  are  now  in  the  state  of  progres- 
sive putrefaction.  She  sent  me  a  message,  requesting  me 
to  visit  her;  but  it  was  apparently  in  vain.  Her  agony 
was  unutterable.  Her  eyes  were  swollen,  and  horribly 
wild,  as  if  ready  to  burst  from  their  sockets.  I  asked  if 
I  should  pray  with  her,  and  she  shrieked  out,  ''O  yes! 
yes!  yes!"  but  while  I  spake,  her  agony  and  groans  must 
have  excluded  both  hearing  and  reflection.  Such  an  hour 
of  human  misery  as  this,  I  never  before  witnessed.  But 
if  such  are  the  torments  of  this  life,  what  must  be  the  ex- 
cruciating agonies  of  the  accursed  in  the  life  everlasting? 


January  1 1  th. 
At  the  moment  of  my  entering  the  hospital,  this  morn- 
ing, Dixon  died.  Intemperance  in  drinking  was  the 
cause  of  his  premature  death.  About  three  weeks  since 
he  lost  his  appetite,  and  continued  to  drink  for  several 
days,  until  he  could  retain  nothing  on  his  stomach.  While 
he  was  a  servant  in  the  institution,    the  superintendent 

c  2 


30  VISITS   OF   MERCY. 

often  warned  and  entreated  him.  He  denied  that  excess 
was  the  cause  of  his  sickness;  but  when  he  found  that  he 
must  die,  he  became  greatly  alarmed,  and  confessed  the 
sin  of  slow  and  certain  suicide.  Since  his  last  sickness,  I 
have  once  preached  in  the  ward  where  he  lay,  and  sung 
the  third  part  of  the  107th  psalm.  The  second  verse  was 
a  probe  which  reached  to  his  heart;  but  it  was  necessary. 

"  The  drunkard  feels  his  vitals  waste, 
Yet  drowns  his  health  to  please  his  taste; 
*TilI  all  his  active  powers  are  lost, 
And  fainting-  life  draws  near  the  dust." 

I  could  not  serve  the  dead,  and  therefore  I  directed  my 
attention  to  the  living.  Mrs.  B.  B.  desired  to  see  me. 
She  is  a  woman  of  too  fair  a  face  and  form  for  any  one  to 
possess  in  this  licentious  city,  who  is  not,  by  a  refined 
education,  or  by  the  fear  of  God,  guarded  against  tempta- 
tion. Such  has  been  her  conduct,  that  her  husband  has 
some  time  since  refused  toprotect  her.  When  I  approach- 
ed the  unhappy  woman,  she  began  to  weep  aloud,  and  ap- 
peared to  see  in  me  the  messenger  of  death,  instead  of 
a  minister  of  peace.  She  has  probably  seen  the  ministers 
of  Jesus  at  the  bed  of  death,  and  in  few  other  places. 
*'  O  sir,  it  is  too  late  for  me  now!  I  have  rejected  religion, 
and  it's  too  late  now!"  Such  were  her  exclamations. 
They  induced  me  to  state  the  character  and  faith  of  Mary 
Magdalen,  and  the  penitent  thief.  "  The  hour  of  sickness 
is  indeed  a  miserable  time  to  transact  the  business  of 
eternity;  but  while  life  remains,  it  is  never  too  late  to  con- 
sider, believe,  repent,  and  escape  to  the  ark  of  a  sinner's 
safety."  She  promised  to  pray.  Should  she  really  pray  for 
mercy,  she  will  be  saved. 


VISITS  OF   MERCY.  31 

The  asylum  for  maniacs,  in  this  city,  is  an  appendag^e 
to  the  New-York  hospital.  Both  institutions  are  under 
the  same  honourable  governors,  and  the  same  superinten- 
dent. Consider  them  both  as  one  establishment,  and  one 
more  benevolent,  or  better  regulated,  for  the  relief  of  the 
sick  and  insane,  cannot  be  found  in  Am.erica.  The  asy- 
lum was  opened  for  the  reception  of  patients  on  July  15th, 
A.  D.  1808.  Testerday  it  became  the  asylum  of  Miss 
Lanse,  who  may  never  leave  it,  until  she  takes  her  silent 
departure  to  the  grave.  The  circumstances  which  pro- 
duced her  insanity  are  interesting.  She  was  born  in  Eng- 
land, and  last  week  arrived  in  New-York.  Her  mother, 
with  four  children,  of  whom  this  young  lady,  of  about 
eighteen  years  of  age,  is  the  eldest,  came  to  this  country 
iV  pursuit  of  her  husband.  On  the  passage,  Miss  Lanse 
w\s  much  reduced  by  the  sickness  incident  to  alongvoy- 
ag^  In  addition  to  this,  there  were  in  the  ship's  compa- 
ny t\yo  comedians,  who  played  a  very  censurable  farce; 
whicV  may  terminate  more  tragically  than  they  would 
wishA  What  were  their  motives  I  know  not;  but  the  part 
they  a\ted  shall  be  recorded  to  their  infamy.  Shortly 
before  tWir  arrival  in  this  country,  these  ''teachers  of 
morality'Y^y  mimicry,  ornamented  themselves  Avith  the 
glory  of  tf'eir  art,  masks  and  touchwood;  and  with  the 
disguise,  or  in  the  real  character  of  villains,  entered  the 
female  apartment  in  the  darkness  of  midnight.  Miss 
Lanse  was  aroused  from  her  feverish  slumbers,  and  fright- 
ened into  paroxysms,  of  frequent  return,  and  long  continu- 
ance. She  had  not  recovered  from  these  fits,  when  she 
landed  in  America.  Then  they,  who  sought  a  husband 
and  a  father,  had  to  learn  that  a  few  days  since  he  embark- 
ed  for   England.      Such  was   the   anxiety  of  the   eldest 


32  VISITS   OF  MERCY. 

daughter,  for  herself,  for  her  mother,  and  her  sisters, 
that  while  the  mother  was  gone  to  the  theatre  with  the 
newly  imported  actors,  and  the  daughter  was  left  in  a 
strange  boarding-house,  in  a  strange  land,  her  fits  return- 
ed, and  a  delirium  supervened.  She  is  now  so  frantic, 
as  to  be  confined  in  the  maniac*s  chair.  Consolation  can- 
not be  offered;  but  the  hearts  that  feel  can  pray,  that  the 
God  of  mercy  would  pity  the  lost  female  maniac. 

As  for  these  actors,  it  is  their  trade  to  beguile  the  peo- 
ple of  their  senses,  or  frighten  them  to  madness.  I  would 
ask  the  wise,  if  these  mischievous  lunatics  ought  to  go  at 
large?  Could  one  of  these  comedians  take  Miss  Lanse's 
place,  and  deliver  her  from  the  strait  waiscoat,  it  would 
be  a  mild  retribution.  In  the  asylum  are  many  persons 
not  more  insane  than  those  who,  during  the  present  season, 
support  a  drunken  buffoon,  to  the  tune  of  fourteen 
THOUSAND  DOLLARS  PER  ANNUM.  Any  sobcr  countrymau 
will  pronounce  this  as  incredible,  as  that  a  Frenchman  in 
yonder  walls  should  believe  every  dirty  scroll  of  paper 
which  he  finds,  either  a  bank-note  or  obligation  in  his 
favour.     Both  cases  of  delirium,  however,  actually  exist. 

The  afternoon  of  this  day  I  devoted,  in  part,  to  the 
instruction  of  two  persons  in  Bridewell,  who  are  under 
sentence  of  death,  for  the  crime  of  murder.  One  is  a 
German,  of  seventy-seven  years,  and  the  other  a  man  of 
colour.  The  first  had  his  Testament  in  his  hand,  appeared 
very  devout,  and  while  I  prayed,  wrung  his  hands,  smote 
them  together,  and  gave  repeatedly  the  loud  Amen;  but 
denied  the  crime  of  which  he  stood  legally  convicted. 
The  man  of  colour  was  very  ignorant,  and  a  short  time 
since  did  not  know,  that  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Spirit, 
are  one  God.     He  sat  pensive  on  the  floor,  with  his  back 


VISITS   OF   MERCY. 


against  the  wall,  and  his  feet  chained,  directly  opposite  to 
his  companion.  He  confessed  that  he  was  worthy  of  death, 
because  he  did  stab  a  man,  while  he  did  not  positively 
design  to  kill  him.  In  this  respect  he  conducted  as  those 
do,  who  reject  offered  mercy,  continue  in  sin,  abuse  the 
day  of  grace,  and  rivet  their  chains  by  unbelief,  while  they 
do  not  positively  design  to  murder  their  own  souls.  They 
destroy  themselves,  because  they  are  willing  to  continue 
impenitent  and  risk  the  consequences.  The  black  man, 
however,  appears  much  more  like  a  penitent,  than  his 
wretched  fellow-prisoner.  Would  to  God  that  all  sinners 
could  believe  that  they  are  really  condemned  already! 
Did  they  know  this,  they  would  know  also,  that  their 
future  salvation  depends  upon  the  acceptance  of  pardon 
through  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ.  Impenitent  sinners 
are  not  only  under  condemnation,  but  imprisoned,  or  shut 
up  to  the  necessity  of  being  delivered  by  one,  mighty  to 
save.  They  are  shut  up  to  the  hope  of  the  Gospel,  and  ex- 
cluded from  every  other  hope. 


January  \2>th. 

"Want,  and  incurable  disease,  (fell  pair,) 
On  hopeless  multitudes  remorseless  seize 
At  once;  and  make  a  refuge  of  the  grave. 
How  groaning  hospitals  eject  their  dead! 
Wliat  numbers  groan  for  sad  admission  there! 
What  numbers,  once  in  fortune's  lap  high-fed. 
Solicit  the  cold  hand  of  charity!'* — Yoxruro. 

About  one  hundred  persons  were  present  while  I 
preached  in  the  hospital  this  morning,  and  the  door  of  the 
ward  opposite  to  that  in  which  I  stood,  was  open,  so  that 


34  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

about  fifteen  wretched  females  could  hear,  who  were  on 
beds  of  disease,  planted  with  thorns.  After  service,  one 
of  them  requested  me  to  call  and  pray  with  her,  which 
gave  me  the  opportunity  of  addressing  many  of  this 
almost  hopeless  class  of  human  beings.  The  woman  who 
was  the  principal  object  of  my  visit,  is  the  descendant  of 
a  respectable  family,  but  has  for  many  years  been  discard- 
ded  by  all  her  relatives.  After  a  life  of  dissipation,  she  is 
about  to  close  her  mortal  career  in  the  common  sewer  of 
the  vilest.  Verily,  verily,  '*the  way  of  transgressors  is 
hard."  While  speaking  the  words  of  life,  I  stood  beside 
the  miserable  B.  B.  who  seemed  eagerly  gasping  after 
that  truth  which  is  life  from  the  dead.  Many  other  pa- 
tients were  unusually  attentive;  and  when  I  passed  from 
ward  to  ward,  I  found  many  reading  the*iioly  Scriptures. 
This  is  a  favourable  omen. 

In  the  afternoon  I  preached  in  the  ward  of  blind  persons 
in  the  alms-house.  About  thirty  persons  who  are  bereft 
of  sight  attend  on  my  ministry.  Among  them  is  a  person 
called  Blind  George,  who  regularly  officiates  as  my  clerk. 
He  has  never  had  vision  since  he  had  the  small-pox,  and 
then  he  was  only  a  few  years  of  age.  He  has  lived  about 
thirty  years;  has  a  retentive  memory,  and,a  very  fine  voice 
for  church  music.  What  he  hears  sung,  he  can  sing  again; 
and  what  he  hears  read,  he  will  very  soon  repeat.  Com- 
m:only  I  pronounce  two  lines  of  a  hymn,  but  sometimes 
three,  and  even  four,  and  he  will  sing  them  with  little 
mistake.  From  some  pious  Methodists,  who  have  occa- 
sionally frequented  this  institution,  when  neglected  by  all 
others,  he  has  learned  many  sacred  songs.  He  is  remark- 
able for  adapting  his  notes  to  the  words.  Never  does  he 
set  a  plaintive  sentiment  to  a  sprightly  air;  and  never,  as 


VISITS    OF    MERCY. 


do  many  of  his  brother  choristers,  does  he  name  the  tune 
*' mortality"  for  a  song  of  exultation  in  redeeming  grace. 
It  is,  indeed,  a  matter  of  gratitude,  that  the  blind  can  be 
directed  in  their  solemn  songs  by  such  a  leader;  and  many 
are  the  hours  which  could  not  be  employed  in  sight,  that 
are  now  devoted  to  the  sounds  of  celestial  praise. 

Since  I  was  at  the  alms-house  last,  two  persons  have 
resigned  their  spirits  to  God,  the  Judge. 

January  \4ith. 
Early  this  morning,  the  woman  of  ill  fame  who  yester- 
day requested  me  to  pray  with  her,  resigned  her  mortal 
life.  She  was  rational  to  the  last  moment,  and  often  said, 
after  I  left  her,  that  she  knew  she  was  an  exceedingly 
vile  sinner,  but  could  not  help  entertaining  some  feeble 
hope  that  God  would  pardon  her  sins  through  Jesus  Christ. 
Her  present  state  is  known  to  God  alone;  but  possibly  she 
may  have  entered  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  while  such  as 
trust  in  themselves  that  they  are  righteous,  shall  be  for 
ever  excluded.  At  the  same  time,  it  is  lamentable,  that 
in  the  same  room  in  which  she  died,  are  many  sinners  of 
the  same  class,  sensible  only  of  their  animal  agonies, 
without  the  fear  of  God;  without  hope  in  his  mercy. 
One  of  them,  however,  whose  sufferings  are  very  acute, 
acknowledges, 

"  His  strokes  are  fewer  than  her  crimes. 
And  lighter  than  her  guilt." 

January  17  th. 
A  member  of  the  **  society  for  the  relief  of  poor  widows 
with  small  children,"  Mrs.  Levi  Coit,  took  me  this  morn- 


36  VISITS    OF    MERCY. 

ing  to  visit  a  sick  person,  supported  by  this  benevolent 
institution.  It  is  a  pleasure  to  the  good,  to  know  that 
the  ladies  vi^ho  have  espoused  the  cause  of  the  widow  and 
fatherless  babes,  regard  with  tenderness  the  spiritual,  as 
well  as  the  temporal  situation  of  their  respective  charges. 

This  poor  widow  is  not  past  the  age  of  thirty-five  years; 
but  she  is  trembling  on  the  verge  of  the  grave.  She  said 
to  me,  "  not  long  since,  I  had  a  very  pretty  visit  from  the 

Rev.  Mr. ,  who  told  me  he  would  administer  the 

sacrament  to  me  at  any  time  I  should  desire."  This 
prepared  the  way  to  ascertain  the  reason  of  the  hope  which 
she  indulged.  She  did  not  fear  hell,  she  said,  because 
there  was  no  such  place  as  hell;  but  she  believed  that  all 
would  in  future  have  some  punishment,  and  some  reward, 
according  to  their  deserts.  She  added,  that  she  had  al- 
ways done  as  well  as  she  could,  and  was  therefore  per- 
suaded that  God  would  not  punish  her  much. 

Such  was  the  faith  of  a  woman,  who  was  invited  to 
celebrate  the  offering  of  the  great  Sacrifice  for  our  sins. 
Had  she  knowledge  to  discern  the  Lord's  body  ? 

While  I  was  with  her.  I  spent  my  time  in  attempting  to 
convince  her,  that  if  God  should  punish  any  person  ac- 
cording to  his  deserts,  he  would  be  completely  miserable; 
that  one  sin  not  pardoned,  would  entail  the  curse  of  the 
law  upon  all  succeeding  ages;  that  all  the  impenitent  and 
unbelieving  shall  be  turned  into  hell;  that  she  had  not  done 
as  well  as  she  could,  in  the  sense  in  which  she  pretended 
that  she  had;  that  as  a  sinner  she  had  done  no  good;  that 
she  was  likely  soon  to  die,  (which  she  almost  resented!) 
and  that  she  must  be  everlastingly  miserable,  if  God  did 
not  impute  the  perfect  righteousness  of  Christ  to  her, 
which  should  become  hers,  through  his  grace   and  her 


VISITS   OF  MERCY.  37 

faith.  These  were  hard  doctrines,  but  if  they  are  not  bless- 
ed of  God,  to  her  spiritual  life,  she  must  remain  proud 
of  her  own  performances,  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins.  The 
doctrine  of  a  sinner's  being  declared  legally  just,  while 
in  himself  unjust,  and  accepted  as  pure,  on  account  of  the 
obedience  and  sufferings  of  Christ,  while  in  himself  im- 
pure, was  a  new  doctrine  to  her,  which  she  has  yet  to 
learn.  Her  attention  was  so  far  gained  to  these  subjects, 
that  she  earnestly  entreated  me  to  call  again. 

This  morning  I  have  also  prayed  with  Mrs.  B.  B.  in 
the  hospital.  She  declines  in  bodyj  but  from  fear,  or 
some  other  principle,  she  spends  the  greater  part  of  her 
days  and  nights  in  ejaculatory  prayer.  The  unfortunate 
Miss  Lanse  is  thought  to  be  better;  and  some  prospect 
remains  of  her  being  restored  to  reason.  Still  I  say,  the 
comedians  played  a  tragical  farce. 

In  the  evening,  a  room  in  the  alms-house  was  again  my 
church.  All  were  attentive.  Many  on  each  side  of  me 
were  on  beds  of  sickness,  and  several  were  near  the  close 
of  life.  Who  would  not  have  been  affected  at  such  a  sight? 
Many  have  frequented  this  place  of  suffering  with  me,  and 
have  been  so  much  overcome  by  their  emotions,  as  to  be 
unable  to  speak.  Once  I  could  weep;  but  of  late  I  have 
been  so  conversant  with  disease  and  death,  that  my  feel- 
ings are  somewhat  blunted.  Instead  of  obtaining  relief 
by  the  free  perspiration  of  grief,  my  heart  swells  and  burns 
with  an  unremitting  fever.  After  public  worship  was  con- 
cluded, a  warm  debate  arose  about  the  nomination  of  the 
ward  in  which  I  should  next  preach.  Seven  or  eight  aged 
women  were  entreating  for  their  turn  next,  and  naming 
the  number  of  their  sick  for  arguments.  In  most  of  the 
rooms  are  several  who  cannot  move;  and  from  these  I 

VOL.    I.  D 


38  VISITS   OF  MERCY. 

receive  messages,  entreaties,  and  gentle  remonstrances. 
What  can  I  do  but  serve  them  all  in  rotation  ?  When  I 
was  leaving  the  room,  many  poor  creatures  half  raised 
themselves  from  bed,  to  make  their  obeisance  to  a  fellow- 
worm,  and  express  their  fears,  that  since  so  many  beset 
me,  they  should  not  soon  obtain  another  sermon.  *'Be 
patient,  be  patient,'*  was  the  replyj  but  it  really  requires 
great  patience  in  sickness,  to  be  destitute  of  the  consola- 
tion of  a  preached  gospel.  Many  supplicate  the  divine 
blessing  on  me,  in  such  a  manner  as  fully  to  induce  the 
belief,  that  they  love  the  messenger  for  the  sake  of  the 
message. 

It  did  indeed  move  my  soul,  in  descending  from  the 
fourth  floor  of  the  house,  to  see  my  blind  hearers  feeling 
their  way  down  the  stairs.  One  of  them,  a  girl  of  seven- 
teen, born  blind,  was  pressed  away  from  the  balustrade  by 
the  crowd,  and  was  necessitated  to  move  her  hand  around 
the  wall  of  the  whole  entry,  to  gain  the  next  descent.  Some 
of  the  blind  had  palsied,  halting  leaders,  and  some  without 
any  guide  but  a  staff,  passed  down  one  wing  of  the  build- 
ing, over  the  yard,  and  up  into  the  western  apartments. 
Could  any  one  expect  these  blind  persons  to  find  their  way 
to  the  churches  in  the  city?  Or  must  they  perish  for  want 
of  spiritual  vision  ?     God  forbid. 


January  19M. 
**The  pitying  robber,  conscious  that,  pursu'd, 
He  had  no  time  to  waste,  yet  stood  and  view*d; 
To  the  next  cot  the  trembling  infant  bore, 
And  gave  a  part  of  what  he  stole  before; 
Nor  known  to  him  the  wretches  were,  nor  dear,- 
He  felt  as  man,  and  dropped  a  human  tear." — Laitghoakz. 
The  distinction  frequently  made  between  the  power  of 


VISITS   OF   MF.KCY.  39 

sympathy^  and  ihe  conviction  of  duty,  is  important.  Even 
the  voluptuary  will  weep  in  the  theatre,  when  a  lovely 
person  is  represented  to  be  ruined  by  the  seductions  of 
taste,  the  blandishments  of  a  fascinating  youth,  and  the 
promises  of  an  ardent,  but  faithless  lover.  Represent 
misery  to  the  man  who  makes  gold  his  idol,  and  you  may 
not  unfrequently  excite  a  violent  commotion  in  his  soul 
between  the  passions  of  avarice  and  sympathy.  These 
same  men,  however,  will  produce  and  continue  the  misery, 
at  the  representation  of  which  they  felt  commiseration 
for  the  unhappy. 

The  man  o^  feeling,  without  religion,  when  the  aether  of 
his  imagination  pours  liquid  fire  through  his  veins,  rushes 
om,  heedless  of  consequences^  and  shame,  poverty,  disease, 
and  even  hell,  are  phantoms  to  him.  He  is  an  unrestrain- 
ed libertine.  But  when  the  flames  have  consumed  their 
present  store  of  combustibles,he  feels  again  like  something 
human.  When  cool,  approach  him  with  a  tale  of  wo, 
and  he  is  mild  in  tone,  and  tender  in  his  actions.  He  gives 
with  liberality:  but  such  feeling  as  the  wounded  animal 
excites  in  a  brute  companion,  is  the  sole  excitement  to  his 
charity.  Benevolence,  which  becomes  a  rational  being, 
and  which  God  will  approve,  is  a  consistent,  habitual  re- 
gard for  the  welfare  of  others,  which  is  manifested  by  cor- 
responding actions.  Sympathy  is  natural  and  amiablej 
but  benevolence,  when  exercised  by  a  fallen  man,  is  super- 
natural and  holy.  Would  to  God  that  the  two  were  united 
in  every  human  heart)  Possibly  both  have  been  exercised 
in  the  relief  of  a  certain  poor  widow,  whose  husband,  a 
carman,  died  about  a  year  since;  leaving  her,  after  she 
had  defrayed  the  expenses  of  his  sickness  and  burial, 
nothing  for  her  support,  but  ten  children.     Four  of  these 


40  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

are  able  to  provide  for  themselves,  and  one  or  two  can 
give  some  assistance  to  the  mother,  by  tending;  the  four 
younger  children,  while  the  mother  washes  or  sews  for 
the  necessaries  of  life.  For  eight  months  I  have  known 
this  woman  and  her  family.  She  is  a  professor  of  religion; 
and  more,  she  is  pious.  Her  children  are  neat  and  indus- 
trious. For  a  single  room  she  pays  twenty-five  dollars, 
yearly  rent;  and  earns  a  part  of  this  by  sewing  nankeen 
pantaloons  and  common  shirts, /or  Me  eighth  of  a  dollar  for 
each  garment.  This  I  find  to  be  the  common  price  of  job- 
work;  so  that  the  poor  widows  who  will  support  them- 
selves, must  be  content  with  one  shilling,  while  the  pur- 
chasers pay  many  shillings  for  the  same  work.  All  who  sell 
ought  to  have  lawful  gain,  but  the  poor,  who  perform  the 
work,  ought  to  receive  at  least  half  of  that  sum  which  is 
charged  for  making  of  apparel.  Some  of  the  children  at- 
tend that  benevolent  institution,  "The  New  York  Free 
School,"  and  if  the  Lord  shall  spare  them,  I  doubt  not  will 
make  useful  mechanics.  When  this  widow  was  in  her 
most  destitute  condition,  before  she  could  gather  some- 
thing to  begin  the  world  anew,  with  her  fatherless  chil- 
dren, a  young  man  of  generous,  native  feelings,  who  never 
saw  her,  sent  five  dollars  for  her  relief.  This  same  man  of 
tenderness,  however,  gave  that  for  which  he  was  indebted, 
and  soon  after  defrauded  many  of  his  friends.  Alas !  alas ! 
why  had  not  this  youth  benevolence,  as  well  as  sympathy  p 
Another  young  man,  who  is  poor  indeed,  but  whom  Pro- 
vidence has  hitherto  protected,  has  more  than  once  di- 
vided with  the  family,  when  almost  destitute  of  wood  and 
bread,  his  last  dollar.  The  pride  of  doing  good,  or  sym- 
pathy, or  something  else^  may  have  actuated  him.  God 
searches  his  heart. 


VISITS   OF   MEKOY.  41 

To  give  to  the  street  beggars  of  this  city,  is  not  well 
directed  charity.  Those  persons  who  have  large  families, 
who  make  great  exertions  to  live  out  of  the  alms-house, 
when  they  are  almost  driven  into  it  by  want,  are  the  pro- 
per objects  for  pecuniary  assistance. 

The  wind  blew  the  piercing  cold  from  the  norths  but 
the  southern  sun  illuminated  the  abode  of  the  widow.  The 
children  had  recovered  their  ruddy  countenances,  and 
were  seated  round  a  frugal  fire.  They  had  a  little  wood 
still  remaining  and  a  loaf  of  bread  in  reserve.  The  widow 
was  restored  to  her  wonted  strength,  from  the  debility 
induced  by  long  watchings  with  misery^  and  contentment 
was  in  her  countenance.  This  sight  gave  new  vigour  to 
a  heart  which  had  been  depressed  with  the  remembrance 
of  wretchedness  which  it  could  not  dispel.  It  encouraged 
me  to  take  a  missionary  tour  through  some  of  the  wards 
in  the  alms-house. 

Here  I  saw  one  of  my  aged  friends,  to  whom  might  be 
applied  Milton's  description  of  honourable  old  age. 

"  So  may*st  thou  live,  till  like  ripe  fruit  thou  drop 

Into  thy  mother's  lap,  or  be  with  ease 

Gathered,  not  harshly  pluck'd,  for  Death  mature. 

This  is  old  age:  but  then  thou  must  outlive 

Thy  youth,  thy  streng-th,  thy  beauty,  which  will  change 

To  witherM,  weak,  and  gray;  thy  senses  then 

Obtuse,  all  sense  of  pleasure  must  forego. 

To  what  thou  hast:  and  for  the  air  of  youth, 

Hopeful  and  cheerful,  in  thy  blood  wiU  reign 

A  melancholy  damp  of  cold  and  dry. 

To  weigh  thy  spirits  down. " 

At  my  request,  she  repeated  thirty  or  forty  stanzas  of 
different  hymns,  which  she  learned  in  childhood  and  youth. 

D  2 


42  VISITS  OF  MEROY. 

Some  of  these  hymns  have  been  remembered  by  her  for  a 
century.  She  was  born  in  Berwick  upon  the  Tweed, 
lived  some  time  in  London,  was  a  hearer  of  Mr.  Whitefield 
there,  and  came  to  this  city  long,  she  does  not  remember 
how  long-,  before  the  revolutionary  war.  Her  maiden  name 
was  Christiana  Ritchie,  but  she  is  now  the  widow  Webb, 
having  had  only  one  husband  in  a  life  of  one  hundred  and 
three  years.  Being  disposed  to  converse  familiarly  with 
all,  to  gain  their  confidence,  I  one  day  said,  as  any  man 
might  speak  to  an  aged  friend,  in  health,  *'But  why  did 
you  not  marry  a  second  time.^"  She  answered,  with  a  smile, 
that  she  was  old  when  her  husband  died;  that  they  had  al- 
ways lived  in  peace;  and  that  she  was  "  afraid  to  try  an- 
other, lest  he  should  not  be  so  good."  There  is  not  a 
more  cheerful  person  of  my  acquaintance,  in  the  world. 
It  is  good  to  see  such  an  aged  saint,  and  hear  her. bless 
God  for  the  goodness  of  a  century.  The  hymns  and  scenes 
of  her  childhood  are  fresh  in  her  memory;  but  most  inter- 
mediate things,  saving  the  general  remembrance  of  God*s 
love,  have  vanished  from  her  mind.  To  the  remark, 
**  You  appear  still  to  love  God,"  she  replied,"  Aye!  whom 
have  I  to  love  better  than  him!  I  would  not  be  without  his 
love,  and  love  to  him,  for  a  thousand  worlds!"  She  de- 
lights in  religious  conversation,  and  public  worship. 
When  her  nurse  told  her  that  I  was  to  preach  in  her  room 
to-morrow,  she  said,  "  Well,  I  am  very  glad,  Sir;  and 
may  God  give  you  instruction,  that  you  may  instruct  us." 
To-day  the  German  convict  seemed  more  tender  and 
sensible  of  his  situation  than  when  I  saw  him  last;  but 
still  insisted  upon  his  innocence  in  relation  to  the  murder. 
The  other  convict  was  also  deeply  affected  at  the  exhibi- 
tion of  a  merciful  Saviour;  but  when  men  expect  death  in 


VISITS   OF  MERCY.  43 

less  than  a  week,  and  their  sins  arise  in  horrible  array 
against  them,  it  is  difficult  to  distinguish  filial  fear  irora 
the  slavish  dread  o^  God.  The  one  is  a  saving  grace  of  the 
Holy  Spirit;  and  the  other,  an  actual  infliction  of  a  part 
of  the  wrath  and  curse  of  God  due  to  sin.  Terrors  of  a 
guilty  conscience  are  inflicted  penalties  of  a  violated  law. 
If  then  the  penalties  of  the  law  are  partially  inflicted  here, 
who  dares  to  say,  "there  is  no  hell?" 


January  20th. 

The  room  in  which  I  preached  in  the  hospital  this 
morning,  was  very  full,  and  all  were  attentive.  By  the 
assistance  of  a  few  young  friends,  I  was  enabled  to  pre- 
sent the  patients  with  some  hymn  books,  to  be  detained 
in  the  institution,  which  were  received  and  used  with 
great  pleasure.  It  was  a  matter  of  regret,  that  I  could 
not  present  more  of  the  excellent  '*  Hartford  Collection." 

Between  the  hours  of  11  and  12  o'clock,  my  time  was 
devoted  to  the  men  who  are  to  be  executed.  At  their 
united  request,  prayer  was  addressed  to  the  throne  of 
grace.  The  German  shifted  his  chains  so  as  to  arise  on 
his  kneesj  and  the  man  of  colour  bowed  his  head  in  awful 
depression.  Both  of  them  appeared  to  feel  that  their 
last  sabbath  had  dawned  on  them,  and  expressed  a  desire 
to  remember  past  privileges,  and  improve  the  present 
moment,  by  singing  the  praises  of  God.  Several  persons 
were  in  company  with  me,  and  the  prisoners,  as  well  as 
they  could,  united  with  us  in  singing: 

*•  Come,  humble  sinner,  in  whose  breast 

A  thousand  thoughts  revolve; 
Come,  with  your  guilt  and  fear  opprest. 

And  make  this  last  resolve: 


44  VISITS  OF  MEROY. 

I'll  go  to  Jesus,  though  my  sin 

Hath  like  a  mountain  rose; 
I  know  his  courts,  1*11  enter  in, 

Whatever  may  oppose." 

During  public  worship  in  the  alms-house  this  after- 
noon, the  woman  of  103  years  sat  before  me,  and  said  she 
could  perfectly  understand  me.  I  read  a  hymn  to  which 
she  had  been  accustomed  in  youth,  and  which  I  knew  she 
could  repeat.  It  gave  her  so  much  pleasure,  that  she 
involuntarily  lifted  up  her  hands,  and  said  in  the  hearing 
of  all,  "O,  that's  a  fine  hymn!"  But  how  different  are  the 
dispensations  of  Providence!  Catharine  Welsh,  a  woman 
of  96  years,  sat  beside  me  also,  but  has  become  so  much 
of  a  child  as  to  understand  nothing.  Indeed,  she  differs 
from  an  infant  only  in  her  form,  and  the  love  of  taking 
snuff.  This  habit  has  survived  the  exercise  of  all  her 
mental  faculties. 

George,  my  blind  clerk,  was  delighted  with  the  present 
of  a  hymn  book.  "  Of  what  use,"  a  stranger  might  ask, 
"will  it  be  to  him?"  While  he  owns  it,  he  will  have  the 
satisfaction  which  all  desire,  of  calling  something  his  pro- 
perty. Besides,  he  can  now  persuade  others  to  amuse 
some  of  his  solitary  hours,  by  reading  to  him;  who,  were 
they  in  possession,  would  read  only  to  themselves.  Two 
books  were  presented  for  the  use  of  two  other  rooms;  and 
strong  solicitations  came  thick  upon  me  for  the  other 
wards.  I  have  not  the  power  to  gratify  them;  but  must 
resort  to  those  who  have,  at  least,  a  little  silver  and  gold. 
It  is  more  painful  to  ask,  than  to  bestow,  I  have  found  by 
experience;  and  witness,  angels,  if  ever  I  beg  a  cent  in 
any  other  name  than  that  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Had 
he  not  been  poor,  one  might  be  ashamed  of  poverty;  but 


VISITS   OF  MERCY.  45 

for  him  a  Christian  can  beg,  without  deeming  it  a  degra- 
dation. 

When  leaving  the  room,  I  said  to  Mary  L****,  a  blind 
woman,  **well,  Mary,  I  hope  it  was  some  consolation  for 
you  to  hear;  for  faith  Cometh  by  hearing'*  She  replied  in  an 
instant,  *'it  is  better  to  bf^ieve  than  to  see;  but  I  hope  to  see 
in  the  next  worlds  and  among  others,  since  I  have  been 
comforted  by  your  words,  I  greatly  desire  to  see  the  preacher 
there.'*  Verily,  it  was  the  divine  design  that  the  gospel 
should  be  preached  to  the  poor,  that  their  profiting  might 
appear  to  all  for  the  manifestation  of  his  benevolence. 

In  addition  to  the  other  employments  of  this  day,  I  have 
enjoyed  the  communion  of  saints,  and  inflicted  pain  on  my 
own  mind,  by  chastising  an  infidel.  His  infidelity  is  to  be 
hated^  but  it  is  painful  to  wound  the  personal  feelings  of 
any  being. 

The  communion  was  doubly  dear,  from  the  circum- 
stance that  Christians  of  different  sections  of  the  Presby- 
terian church,  under  the  pastoral  care  of  the  Rev.  J.  B. 
Romeyn,  D.  D.,  and  the  Rev.  J.  M.  Mason,  D.  D.,  who 
never  united  before  in  the  breaking  of  bread,  were  seated 
at  the  same  table,  to  commemorate  the  death  of  their 
common  Saviour.  They  have  happily  discovered,  that 
brethren  who  love  the  same  Lord,  agree  in  the  same  faith, 
serve  the  same  master,  and  love  one  another,  may  testify 
to  the  world  that  they  commune  with  one  another,  in  de- 
fiance of  the  warfare  waged  by  names. 

The  church  in  Cedar-street,  and  the  third  Associate 
Reformed  church,  with  many  individuals  of  other  sec- 
tions of  the  Christian  community,  deserve  the  thanks  of 
the  whole  church,  for  the  discovery,  that  the  word  Scotch 
is  not  the  test  of  religious  fellowships  and  that  the  mem- 


46  VISITS   OF  MERCY. 

bers  of  the  same  mystical  body,  who  are  born  of  the 
Spirit,  may  descend,  according  to  the  flesh,  from  High- 
land, Lowland,  English,  Irish,  Dutch,  French,  German, 
or  American  ancestry.  Long  live  this  friendly  intercourse 
between  children  of  the  same  family  and  the  same  faith! 
Multitudes  may  enter  heaven  ,/ith  whom  the  churches 
ought  not  to  commune,  lest  they  should  encourage  the 
errors  of  the  saints;  but  where  the  same  gospel  is  support- 
ed, there  should  be  visible  union  and  co-operation.  When 
any  religious  society  advocates  another  gospel,  (**  which  is 
not  another,'*  for  there  is  no  gospel  besides  one,)  God  save 
the  members  of  that  church,  but  confound  their  false  doc- 
trines, so  that  the  whole  fraternity  of  heretics  may  find  as 
many  difficulties  to  impede  the  erection  of  their  system, 
as  obstructed  the  building  of  its  prototype,  Babel. 

The  infidel,  whom  I  attacked  in  the  evening,  deserved 
severe  rebuke.  His  late  conduct  was  the  proper  subject 
for  the  lash  of  scorpions.  Not  long  since  he  had  the 
courage  to  attack  the  Christian  faith  of  a  very  amiable 
lady,  and  ridiculed  her  hope,  because,  forsooth,  he  had 
been  a  traveller,  had  visited  Judea,  and  was  qualified  to 
attest  that  the  history  of  Jesus  Christ  is  a  fiction.  It  was 
known  to  the  writer,  that  this  boaster  had  been  retailing 
that  knowledge,  which  is  contained  in  the  primer  of  infi- 
delity, "  The  Age  of  Reason;"  and  if  it  is  honourable  for 
a  deist  to  commence  hostilities,  it  is  not  dishonourable 
for  a  Christian,  when  opportunity  permits,  to  cut  and 
thrust  with  the  sword  of  the  Spirit. 

«•  Are  there,  (still  more  amazing  !)  who  resist 
The  rising  thought  ?  who  smother,  in  its  birth, 
The  glorious  truth  ?  who  struggle  to  be  brutes !" 
Who  through  this  bosom-barrier  burst  their  way; 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  47 

And,  with  reverst  ambition,  strive  to  sink  i 

Who  labour  downwards  through  the  opposing  powers 

Of  instinct,  reason,  and  the  world  against  them. 

To  dismal  hopes,  and  shelter  in  the  shock 

Of  endless  night  ? " 

Samson  Occum,  the  Indian  preacher,  after  a  long  con- 
test with  an  Universalist,  terminated  the  controversy,  by 
saying,  '*  Well,  well,  remember,  if  you  are  correct,  I  am 
safe :  if  you  are  not  correct,  I  am  safe  :  I  have  two  strings 
to  my  bow;  you  have  but  one."  This  was  related,  and  ap- 
plied to  the  argumentation  between  the  friends  and  the 
enemies  of  divine  revelation.  **He  is  a  friend,"  said  I, 
**  neither  to  himself,  nor  to  others,  who  would  deprive 
any  Christian  of  support  under  afflictions,  and  consola- 
tion in  death,  by  shaking  his  faith  in  the  system  of  Chris- 
tianity. The  religion  of  Jesus  can  injure  no  one;  and 
were  it  a  delusion,  I  would  gladly  cherish  it  in  preference 
to  despair;  I  would  support  it,  merely  for  the  advantages 
it  affords  in  the  hour  of  dissolution,  until  a  better  source 
of  consolation  should  be  substituted  in  its  place."  My 
friend,  the  amiable  lady,  related  the  anecdote  of  Hume's 
mother,  who  desired  her  son  to  restore  to  her,  on  the  bed 
of  sickness,  the  consolation  of  which  he  had  deprived  her, 
by  making  her  a  sceptic.  After  this  severe,  but  gentle, 
reproof  was  given,  our  conversation  was  terminated. 
This  bold  and  ferocious  fellow,  who  could  worry  a  lamb, 
would  not  even  defend  himself  against  an  equal.  He  heard 
the  whole,  discovered  considerable  agitation,  attempted 
to  divert  the  course  of  conversation,  but  opened  not  his 
mouth  in  favour  of  his  own  opinions.  Impudence  and 
cowardice  often  co-exist  in  the  same  breast. 

Of  the  truth  of  this  remark,  I  have  additional  evidence. 


48  VISITS   OF   MERCT. 

Not  long  since,  I  called  on  a  friend,  who,  from  great  ur- 
banity, and  regard  to  the  acquaintances  of  his  childhood, 
entertained  two  persons  at  his  table,  who  were  avowed 
deists.  They  had  been  educated  in  religious  families; 
had  removed  to  one  of  the  southern  states,  and  were  now 
men  of  consequence,  because  they  possessed  five  or  six 
hundred  slaves.  Their  dignity  is  commensurate  with 
their  plantations,  and  tlieir  honours  have  been  multiplied 
at  the  birth  of  every  negro  or  mulatto  child.  Since  they 
left  "the  land  of  steady  habits,"  the  sabbath  has  been  the 
day  of  their  amusements;  and  deeds,  at  which  they  shud- 
dered in  youth,  have  become  familiar  by  practice.  To 
quiet  their  consciences,  they  have  concluded,  very  philo- 
sophically, to  believe  nothing.  Of  course,  no  truth  which 
they  believe,  can  condemn  their  unhallowed  indulgences. 

When  I  entered  the  room,  the  gentlemen  were  near  the 
end  of  the  desert.  It  was  the  time  for  every  man  to  ex- 
pose his  whole  heart.  After  denying  the  divine  institu- 
tion of  the  sabbath,  and  the  inspiration  of  the  Scriptures, 
one  of  these  mighty  men  of  the  plantation  turned  to  me, 
and  said,  *' Christianity  has  made  more  damned  rascals, 
than  all  other  religions  under  heaven."  With  indigna- 
tion, I  arose  to  leave  the  room,  and  said,  *'  It  is  false!  it 
is  false,  sir!"  He  arose  too,  in  terrible  wrath,  exclaim- 
ing, "I  demand  explanation,  sir,  or  satisfaction!  We  do 
not  suffer  such  language  in  the  country  where  I  live." 

"An  explanation  I  am  ready  to  give.  What  you  have 
said  is  utterly  false;  is  a  base  aspersion  on  Christianity." 

Upon  this  he  swore,  with  the  oath  of  a  bully,  that  I  was 
a  fellow  of  low  breeding.  "You  must  be,"  I  rejoined, 
seating  myself  with  a  smile  of  contempt  for  his  baseness, 
*'a  gentleman  of  refined  education  and  manners,  to  tell 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  49 

your  host,  who  is  a  ruler  in  the  church,  and  his  two 
friends,  who  are  ministers  of  the  gospel,  that  the  system 
which  they  espouse,  and  on  which  they  build  their  hope 
of  everlasting  life,  is  a  system  of  knavery  which  makes 
men  rascals."  The  Rev.  Mr.  Hall,  who  had  remained  si- 
lent, upon  this  disclosure  took  his  departure^  but  having 
entered  the  lists,  I  felt  constrained  to  add,  ''I  shall  affirm 
that  your  assertion  is  false,  until  you  show  some  doctrine, 
precept,  or  promise  in  the  gospel,  which  countenances  de- 
ception and  licentiousness." 

In  this  critical  juncture,  as  became  the  wight,  he  gave 
me  to  understand,  that  in  spite  of  a  black  coat,  I  must 
meet  him;  and  his  brother  infidel  volunteered  his  services 
as  an  honourable  friend, — I  suppose  to  carry  the  powder- 
horn  and  bullet-bag.  My  friend  the  elder,  was  unfortu- 
nately so  deaf,  that  he  did  not  distinctly  understand  the 
conversation;  and  of  course,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hall  being  ab- 
sent, no  one  offered  his  services  as  my  armour-bearer  in 
the  dreadful  conflict.     My  answer  was, 

"I  am  ready  to  meet  you,  sir,  and  shall  meet  you  now, 
with  no  other  weapons  than  those  of  truth  and  conscience. 
I  did  not  say  that  you  was  a  liar,  but  that  your  assertion 
was  false.  Every  lie  is  2i  falsehood,  but  every  falsehood  is 
NOT  a  lie.  What  is  not  true  is  false,  and  an  untruth  may 
be  spoken,  from  ignorance  or  prejudice,  as  well  as  a  dis- 
position to  deceive.  I  have  not  said  that  you  spoke  con- 
trary to  your  belief:  for  I  know  not  your  thoughts;  but 
you  have  uttered  what  is  untrue:  for  Christianity  has  no 
tendency  to  make  bad  men." 

After  I  met  the  man  in  this  manner,  he  asked  my  pardon; 
said  he  did  not  know  we  were  clergymen,  and  excused 
his  conduct  by  pleading  the  violence  of  his  native  passions. 

VOL.    I.  E 


50  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

Finally,  he  made  his  retreat,  by  alleging,  that  he  intended 
to  say,  "more  deceivers  have  assumed  Christianity  for  a 
cloak,  than  any  other  religion."  To  this  I  consented, 
and  to  this  only,  ''  that  many  rascals  pretend  to  be  chris- 
tians, who  were  rascals  before,  created  by  infidelity,  and 
are  not  improved  by  the  religion  of  Jesus,  because  they 
have  not  felt  it.'*  When  departing  from  the  room,  he  of- 
fered me  his  hand,  and  I  left  him,  with  the  expression  of 
my  desire  that  he  might  feel  the  influences  of  Christianity, 
and  experience  its  blessings. 

When  I  related  this  anecdote  to  a  pious  wit,  he  said, 
you  should  not  have  contradicted  him;  you  should  have 
said,  "true,  Christianity  has  made  more  damned, — rascals, 
all  rascals,  than  all  other  systems  of  doctrine."  The  re- 
mark which  I  made  in  my  own  mind,  after  leaving  the 
company,  I  would  propose  as  a  moral  to  my  kindred  ac- 
cording to  the  flesh. 

mien  a  young  man  discards  the  pious  customs  of  his  native 
placCj^and  the  faith  of  his  christian  ancestors,  he  commonly  be- 
comes one  of  the  vilest  of  the  vile. 


January  24th. 

There  is  a  woman  of  colour,  now  in  the  hospital,  who 
has  been  dreadfully  mangled  by  her  husband.  He  had 
been  often  deranged  in  mind,  by  the  stimulant  eff'ect  of 
ardent  spirits;  and  on  the  night  of  her  sufferings,  said 
that  Jesus  commanded  him  to  sacrifice  her.  He  stabbed 
her  in  several  places  in  the  head,  and  cut  her  hands,  which 
made  resistance  until  the  blade  of  the  knife  was  broken  in 
the  bloody  conflict.     Her  throat  was  also  gashed  in  seve- 


VISITS   OF   MERCY.  51 

ral  places^  but  in  all  this  struggle  for  life,  she  did  not  cry 
so  loud  as  to  alarm  the  family,  which  slept  directly  over 
head.  Groans  were  heard  indeed,  in  the  morning,  and 
the  neighbours  coming  in,  found  the  poor  creature  Avith 
her  hands  on  the  wounds,  and  the  floor  wet  with  blood. 
Her  reason  for  not  making  more  complaint  was,  a  convic- 
tion that  her  husband  knew  not  what  he  did;  and  a  fear 
that  he  would  be  executed,  while  an  impenitent  sinner. 
She  now  discovers  great  concern  for  the  soul  of  her  hus- 
band; and  while  she  knows  that  the  physicians  despair 
of  her  life,  is  anxious  that  prayer  should  be  off'ered  for 
his  pardon,  rather  than  for  her  own  recovery.  She  has 
but  little  knowledge;  she  suffers  extremely,  and  yet  her 
confidence  in  the  wisdom  of  God  might  well  be  the  object 
of  imitation;  and  her  peace,  the  desire  of  the  learned  and 
aiRuent. 

With  the  criminals  I  found  many  persons,  who  appear 
to  have  more  disposition  than  ability  to  teach;  for  many 
good  men  are  poorly  qualified  to  indoctrinate  the  ignorant. 
With  one  consent,  exertion  was  made  by  these  persons  to 
prevent  the  poor  convicts  from  doubting  of  their  good 
estate.  They  really  appeared  to  think  that  to  die  in  the 
persuasion  of  acceptance,  from  whatever  source  that  per- 
suasion was  derived,  was  actually  to  die  in  safety,  to  sleep 
in  Jesus.  Without  any  direct  attack  upon  those  who 
claimed  the  honour  of  having  converted  Johnson  and  Sin- 
clair, it  was  my  endeavour  seriously  and  rationally  to 
convince  them  from  the  word  of  God,  of  their  own  sin^ 
of  the  righteousness  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  of  the 
judgment  which  is  to  come,  that  by  a  divine  blessing  they 
might  possess  contrite  hearts. 

Besides  the  word  of  exhortation  in  the  alms-house  this 


52  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

morning,  it  was  an  unfeigned  pleasure  to  give  several 
more  hymn  books  for  the  use  of  the  destitute  wards. 


January  2Sih, 

"  So  bad  a  death  argues  a  monstrous  life. 
Forbear  to  judge,  for  we  are  sinners  all. 
Close  up  his  eyes,  and  draw  the. curtains  round. 
And  let  us  all  to  meditation." Shakspeajie. 

The  cell  of  the  murderers  was  this  morning  opened  at  an 
early  hour  for  all  ministers  of  the  gospel,  who  pleased,  to 
enter  and  give  instruction.  To  gratify  a  wish  which  the 
criminals  had  previously  expressed,  I  visited  them,  among 
many  teachers  of  different  denominations.  Two  German 
ministers  devoted  themselves  to  their  unhappy  country- 
man, who  confessed  perhaps  all  his  sins  but  that  for  which 
he  was  to  be  executed,  and  with  many  tears  followed  them 
in  their  forms  of  prayer.  Several  persons  who  had,  I 
would  hope,  pious  intentions,  assured  Johnson  that  he 
was  converted,  that  all  his  sins  were  unquestionably  par- 
doned, and  that  now  he  had  nothing  to  do  but  sing  hymns 
of  assurance  and  triumph.  He  was  exhorted  again  and 
again  to  say  that  he  was  confident^  and  that  he  had  no  fear 
of  death.  To  this  poor  prisoner  of  hope,  were  devoted 
all  my  attentions,  because  he  confided  in  me,  solicited  my 
last  advice^  and  because  I  thought  it  more  important  that 
he  should  be  prepared  for  death,  than  that  he  should  think 
or  say,  *'I  have  already  attained." 

While  his  friends  were  insisting  upon  the  song  of  Halle- 
lujah, he  frequently  turned  to  me,  and  asked,  "  How  shall 
I  pray?  What  shall  be  my  last  prayer  ?"   Having  explain^ 


VISITS   OF   MERCY.  53 

ed  the  nature  of  sin,  and  of  Christ's  satisfaction  for  trans- 
gression, the  hope  was  expressed  that  he  would  die  with 
the  prayer  of  the  publican  in  his  heart.  When  the  sing- 
ings men  gave  a  short  intermission,  I  proposed  the  51st 
psalm; 

"  Show  pity  Lord,  O  Lord  forgive, 

Let  a  repenting  rebel  live;" 

and  the  words  seemed  perfectly  consonant  to  his  feelings. 
A  dying  penitent  will  always  prefer  confession  and  petition, 
to  confident  declarations  of  his  own  sincerity. 

At  the  appointed  hour,  spectators  withdrew  from  the 
cell;  the  chains  were  taken  off;  the  prisoners  were  array- 
ed in  white  garments  and  caps,  trimmed  with  black;  had 
their  arms  pinioned,  and  received  the  fatal  rope  about 
their  necks.  The  father  and  friends  of  Johnson  then  ap- 
proached him,  and  gave  the  last  embrace.  The  family 
of  the  keeper  also  approached,  with  much  tenderness, 
and  bade  them  farewell.  When  the  prisoners  had  de- 
scended to  the  yard,  I  designed  to  have  left  Johnson  among 
his  friends,  who  were  particularly  desirous  of  walking 
with  him,  Avhile  the  German  brethren  led  Sinclair;  but 
when  the  cart  which  contained  the  scaffold  and  the  coffins 
appeared,  the  black  man  turned  and  inquired  for  me  with 
anxiety.  His  entreaty  that  I  would  not  leave  him,  in- 
duced me  to  see  the  consummation  of  this  dreadful  scene. 
On  the  way  to  the  gallows,  he  took  my  left  arm,  and  the 
right  arm  of  one  of  his  coloured  brethren.  Behind  us 
were  many,  who  incessantly  sung  as  we  marched,  with 
military  escort,  but  he  seemed  to  regard  songs  as  now 
inappropriate  to  his  circumstances.  Again  and  again  he 
entreated  me  to  teach  him  how  to  pray;  and  when  I  dic- 
tated suitable  expressions,  he  would  repeat  them  with 

E  2 


54  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

great  fervour.  He  had  no  heart  for  any  thing  but  the 
revelation  of  the  grace  of  our  I^ord  Jesus,  and  the  petition, 
*'  God  be  merciful  to  me,  a  sinner."  This  he  repeated 
at  almost  every  step.  Under  the  gallows  he  was  unwilling 
that  I  should  leave  him,  and  when  he  was  ascending  to 
be  made  fast,  he  said  to  me,  **  What  shall  I  say  ?  O  tell 
me  my  last  prayer  again?"  Again  I  said, "  God  be  merciful 
to  me,  a  sinner."  When  every  thing  was  ready,  each  of 
the  criminals  prayed  in  his  own  vernacular  tongue.  The 
German  protested  his  innocence  to  the  last.  Johnson  con- 
fessedj  and  shaking  hands,  while  they  looked  up  to  heaven, 
they  reciprocally  greeted  each  other  saying,  ''  God  bless 
you:  farewell."  In  an  instant  after  this,  Johnson  perceiv- 
ing the  cartman  about  to  drive,  exclaimed,  "stop!  stop  I 
one  minute  longer^  let  me  pray  one  breath  more !  "God  be 
merciful  to  me  a  sinner;"  when  they  were  suspended  to- 
gether, and  together  were  ushered  into  the  presence  of 
Jehovah.  When  Johnson  uttered  his  last  cry,  almost 
every  hearer  involuntarily  prayed  for  him.  Would  to  God 
that  we  all  could  feel  that  the  time  for  prayer  is  precious! 
Would  to  God  that  all  who  exclaimed  "  God  forgive  him," 
would  ask,  as  he  did,  "  what  shall  we  do  to  be  saved?" 

If  either  of  these  unhappy  men  is  now  assured  of  his 
salvation,  the  assurance  has  come  as  soon  as,  under  their 
circumstances,  it  could  be  expected:  and  if  now  he  sings 
"alleluia  to  the  Lamb,  doubts  have  fled,  fear  is  extin- 
guished, faith  is  superseded,  hope  is  absorbed  in  fruition," 
it  is  in  the  best  time.  To  know  the  only  true  God  and 
Jesus  Christ,  is  eternal  life;  but  to  be  confident  that  we 
savingly  know  them,  is  not  absolutely  essential.  Yea, 
such  confidence^  if  not  founded  on  thorough  scrutiny  of  reli- 
gious experience,   if  not   derived   from   a   considerable 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  55 

course  of  consistent  piety,  is  presumption,  if  not  damning 

DELUSION. 


January  26th. 

*•  Let  us  consider  one  another,  to  provoke  unto  love,  and  to  good 
works." — Paul. 

Last  evening  a  member  of  the  Widow's  Society  made 
me  promise,  without  delay,  to  visit  the  poor  woman  wh'om 
I  saw  on  the  17th  inst.  It  was  my  intention  to  have 
visited  her  before  this  time;  but  many  similar  concerns 
might  have  created  a  longer  delay,  had  I  not  been,  in 
Paul's  sense,  provoked  to  the  work.  She  had  decayed 
rapidly,  and  was  assured  of  speedy  dissolution.  Her 
imaginary  goodness  too  had  fled;  and  what  she  long 
cherished,  was  now,  in  her  opinion,  pride,  pollution,  mi- 
sery, and  death.  Many  pious  instructions  had  she  receiv- 
ed from  her  female  benefactors,  and  she  appeared  now 
to  feel  that  she  was  a  sinner,  in  perishing  need  of  a  Saviour. 
This  was  the  time  to  preach  good  news,  and  I  attempted 
with  more  apparent  success  than  formerly,  to  show  her 
how  a  sinner  might  be  just  with  God;  but  whether  she  be- 
lieves to  salvation,  must  be  left  to  the  Searcher  of  hearts. 


January  11  th. 

Last  week  five  patients  died  in  the  hospital,  and  while 
speaking  there,  this  morning,  in  the  presence  of  eight  or 
nine,  who  were  too  near  the  grave  to  arise,  one  died  of  an 
inflammation  by  a  broken  leg.     When  first  the  bone  was 


56  VISITS    OF    MERCY. 

fractured  in  the  line  of  his  daily  business,  his  wife  could 
not  endure  the  thoughts  of  parting  with  him:  but  her  fee- 
ble attendance  on  him,  surrounded  by  poverty  and  sick- 
ness, was  insufficient,  and  he  became  delirious.  He  has 
left,  I  am  informed,  a  worthy  wife,  with  five  small  children, 
the  youngest  of  which  is  not  more  than  three  weeks  of  age. 
Her  name  and  number  I  have  taken  as  a  present  to  some 
one  of  the  Widow's  Society. 

Afternoon.  After  speaking  in  one  room,  I  visited  another 
in  the  alms-house,  which  is  full  of  sick  persons.  Their 
misery  makes  me  sick  at  heart;  especially  when  I  consider 
that  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten,  premature  sickness  comes  in 
consequence  of  making  a  god  of  animal  appetite.  One 
man,  however,  of  middle  age,  whose  countenance  indicates 
past  intemperance,  was  greatly  moved  by  the  word  of 
God.  His  attention  has  been  increasing  fo,r  some  weeks. 
O  may  God  bless  my  poor  labours  to  the  salvation  of  his 
trembling  soul! 

Evening,  The  widow  whoml  visited  yesterday,  is  gone. 
Her  departure  I  did  not  imagine  to  be  so  very  neai'. 
Thanks  to  Mrs.  J.  E.  Caldwell,  who  urged  my  last  atten- 
tions to  the  dying  fellow-sinner!  To  reciprocate  her  kind- 
ness, I  presented  the  card  of  the  lately  bereaved  mother 
of  five  babes,  which  she  accepted  with  an  assurance  of 
affording  the  most  immediate  relief  within  her  power. 


January  o\st. 

When  I  first  saw  blind  Sally,  I  went  at  the  request  of 
an  elder  of  the  Dutch  church,  to  converse  with  her  upon 
the  concerns  of  her  soul.     She  was  greatly  troubled,  by 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  57 

reason  of  spiritual  darkness^  and  was  the  first  person  who 
besought  me  to  preach  in  the  alms-house.  Many  weeks 
she  sat  under  the  preaching  of  the  word,  before  she  found 
consolation  from  faith.  At  length  the  child  long  before 
brought  to  the  birth,  was  brought  forth  into  God's  mar- 
vellous light.  Not  long  since  she  was  admitted  to  the 
full  communion  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  church.  When 
under  examination  before  the  consistory,  she  was  asked 
why  she  loved  Christ?  and  immeditely  replied,  "we  love 
him  because  he  first  loved  us." 

Blind  George  was  very  attentive  to  the  word  to-night. 
His  emotions  clearly  indicate  when  he  is  pleased  or  dis- 
pleased with  a  discourse;  for  all  sermons  are  not  alike  to 
him,  nor  is  the  last  sermon  always  the  best.  He  has  alrea- 
dy committed  several  hymns  to  memory  since  I  gave  him 
a  book,  and  he  requested  that  I  would  select  some  new 
ones  for  him  to  learn.  This  was  a  pleasing  request;  and 
^fter  I  had  folded  down  a  few  leaves  to  guide  his  feeling, 
half  a  dozen  other  hymn  books  were  handed  me  for  the 
same  purpose.  An  old  woman  observed  to  me,  when  she 
presented  hers,  "all  we  blind  persons  take  great  pleasure 
in  learning  as  well  as  George."  New  applications  were 
jnade  by  old  and  young,  for  similar  books,  with  which, 
on  account  of  my  inability  to  gratify  their  wishes,  I  was 
almost  as  much  troubled  as  pleased. 

It  was  gratifying  to  see  another  aged  blind  woman  very 
attentive,  who  formerly,  when  a  gentleman,  Mr.  Baldwin, 
who  accompanied  me,  said  in  her  hearing,  "perhaps 
many  of  these  persons  are  more  blind  in  spirit,  than  in 
their  bodily  organs,"  discovered  considerable  resentment, 
and  leaving  the  room,  exclaimed,  "perhaps  we  are  not 
so  blind,  neither!"  Soon. after  this  I  togk  occasion  to  deli^ 


58  VISITS   OF  MERCY. 

ver  a  public  discourse,  in  her  hearing,  from  the  question 
of  the  spiritually  blind  Jews,  ''  are  we  blind  also?"  Since 
that  time  I  have  often  seen  the  tears  trickle  down  from 
her  aged  eyelids,  (which  having  no  eyeballs  to  cover, 
could  certainly  not  be  devoted  to  a  better  use,)  at  the 
sound  of  that  Gospel,  which  offers  sight  to  the  blind, 
hearing  to  the  deaf,  speech  to  the  dumb,  soundness  to  the 
lame,  and  life  to  the  dead. 

When  singing  a  hymn,  which  commences  with  these 
lines, 

"  God  moves  in  a  mysterious  way 
His  wonders  to  perform;" 

I  was  surrounded  by  eight  or  ten  boys,  of  about  nine 
years  of  age,  who  tuned  their  little  musical  organs  to  the 
words,  with  all  their  might.  The  sight  of  their  ragged 
garments  and  brilliant  eyes,  accompanied  by  the  remem- 
brance that  some  of  them  are  orphans,  some  fatherless, 
some  motherless,  and  others  not  acknowledged  by  any 
earthly  parent,  was  calculated  to  excite  melancholy  feel- 
ings. Some  of  them,  however,  I  said  to  myself,  since 
they  are  instructed  at  the  benevolent  Free  School,  may  in 
some  future  day  rise  to  usefulness,  influence,  and  even 
affluence,  for  many  have  arisen  from  indigence  to  honour, 
and  have  become  the  ornaments  of  society.  In  such  a 
frame  of  mind,  it  was  more  than  vocal  music  which  I 
heard,  when  they  sung; 

*♦  Behind  a  frowning  providence 

He  hides  a  smiling  face. 
His  purposes  will  ripen  fast, 

Unfolding  ev'ry  hour; 
The  bud  may  have  a  bitter  taste, 

But  sweet  will  be  the  flower.'* 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  59 

February  2nd. 

My  journal  is  of  necessity  the  record  of  wretchedness* 
The  unfortunate  Miss  Lanse  is  more  frantic,  and  there  is 
very  little  reason  Jo  expect  that  she  will  ever  be  restored 
to  sanity.  The  poor  black  woman,  who  was  mangled  by 
her  husband,  still  lives,  but  her  head  seems  to  be  a  mass 
of  putrefaction.  She  exhibits  an  example  of  patience  and 
forgiveness,  which  is  worthy  of  imitation. 

Another  suiferer  lies  in  the  hospital,  bereft  of  reason, 

who,  not  long  since,  went  to  see  a  tiger,  which  is  now 

exhibited  in  this  city;  and  while  offering  the  wild  beast 

an  apple,  was  caught  by  the  arm,  a  little  above  the  wrist, 

by  the  paw  of  the  ferocious   creature.     The  unguarded 

\  prey  was  drawn  violently  against  the  cage,  and  with  the 

\  loss  of  flesh,  nerves,  muscles,  tendons,  and  blood-vessels, 

'■  from  the  arm,  with  difficulty  made  his  escape.     Of  all 

public  shows,  those  which  exhibit  the  works  of  creation 

are  the  most  proper;  but  it  is  dangerous  even  to  stroke  the 

mane  of  a  tame  lion;  or,  in  proffering  a  favour,  to  extend 

the  hand  to  a  tiger. 

It  would  be  difficult  to  decide  which  was  most  cruel,  the 
tiger  or  the  drunken  African. 


February  Sd> 

In  the  ward  of  the  alms-house  in  which  I  preached  this 
morning,  were  ten  bedrid  females,  who  cannot  continue 
long  in  life:  for  they  are  most  of  them  in  the  latter  stages 
of  the  consumption.  A  little  lad,  who,  on  Thursday 
evening  entreated  me  to  give  him  a  book  of  hymns,  to- 


60  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

day  renewed  his  application  with  great  ardour.  He  was 
very  respectful,  but  very  importunate.  I  doubted  his 
ability  to  read,  but  he  soon  convinced  me  of  my  mistake. 
Two  books  were  all  I  hadj  and  since  several  little  boys 
were  watching  the  success  of  their  companion,  I  pre- 
sented one  to  an  aged  man,  and  put  the  other  in  my 
pocket,  for  a  widow,  to  whom  I  had  partly  promised  one; 
while  I  assured  the  children  that  I  would  soon  procure 
some  smaller  books  for  them.  The  little  fellow  was  so 
dejected  that  he  could  scarcely  refrain  from  weeping. 
Down  I  came,  by  the  shortest  passage,  from  the  upper 
story,  to  the  outer  door;  and  whom  should  I  meet  there, 
but  this  same  child  of  importunity!  He  had  descended 
by  another  stair-case  into  the  cellar,  and  came  up  under 
the  threshold  over  which  I  was  to  pass.  There  he  stood, 
without  a  hat,  in  a  storm  of  sleet;  and  plead,  that  he  was 
going  away  to  the  cotton  factory,  on  the  succeeding  day; 
and  that  he  should  never  get  a  book,  if  I  did  not  give  him 
one  now.  At  first  I  did  not  know  that  he  was  to  be  bound 
an  apprentice,  and  asked,  "  When  will  you  be  here  again?" 

^'I'm  going  there  to  live:  I'll  not  be  seen  here  again, 
sir,  very  soon,  if  they  use  me  well  at  the  factory." 

The  book  was  his;  and  mine  the  pleasure  of  his  pro- 
mise, that  if  ever  I  saw  him  again,  I  should  see  his  hymn 
book  also.  The  lad  is  sprightly;  and  I  am  persuaded, 
from  the  delicacy  of  his  complexion,  and  the  brilliancy 
of  his  eyes,  that  no  vulgar  blood  runs  in  his  veins.  Who 
can  say  what  will  be  the  future  history  of  this  book?  It 
will  go  to  the  factory  with  the  lad,  and  there,  possibly, 
besides  being  of  service  to  the  owner,  will  be  read  to 
other  children,  or  will  comfort  some  one  infirm  child  of 
God,  who,  being  an  heir  of  glory,  to  learn  patience,  and 


VISITS   OF   MERCY.  61 

have  an  opportunity  of  imitating  Christ  in  his  humilia- 
tion, tends  a  cotton  machine  for  a  scanty  subsistence. 

In  the  afternoon,  my  audience  at  the  hospital  was  un- 
usually full  and  attentive.  Here  my  hearers  are  frequently 
changed.  Some  go  in  a  few  weeks,  others  come,  and  a 
few  remain  for  the  greater  part  of  a  year.  By  death  and 
restoration,  the  inhabitants  of  one  ward  have  been  almost 
entirely  changed  in  three  weeks.  A  preacher  here  re- 
sembles a  guide-post  indeed;  for  he  stands  beside  a  public 
road,  multitudes  pass  him;  he  points  them  to  the  path 
which  leads  to  a  better  country,  and  they  are  soon  out  of 
sight.  Some  of  the  doctrines  of  the  cross,  however, 
Avhich  are  taught  in  this  -place,  may  be  carried  in  the 
minds  of  the  seamen  to  distant  lands.  Some  mariner  may 
remember  a  discourse  about  the  blessed  Saviour  in  a 
storm;  and  some  forlorn  female,  thoughtlessly  returning 
to  her  former  abode,  may  find  arrows  of  truth  fastened  in 
the  mind,  of  which  she  was  insensible,  and  which  may 
eventually  give  her  no  peace,  until  her  polluted  con- 
science is  cleansed,  and  her  wounded  heart  healed,  by 
divine  grace. 

Several  abandoned  women  listened  to  my  discourse  to- 
day; and  among  them  was  a  beautiful  girl  of  only  fifteen 
years  of  age.  It  was  astonishing  to  see  so  fair  and  young 
a  person  as  M.  D.  in  such  a  situation.  She  was  brought 
to  the  hospital  by  her  father,  who  has  two  other  daugh- 
ters beside  this,  who  have  been  patients  in  this  institu- 
tion. The  eldest  sister  led  the  way;  the  younger  sisters 
followed.  In  early  childhood  they  were  all  left  mother- 
less; and  the  father,  as  is  commonly  the  case  with  labour- 
ing men,  had  no  time  to  stand  sentinel  over  the  chastity 
of  three  fair  daughters. 

TOL.    I.  F 


62  VISITS  OF  MEucy, 

February  7  th. 

In  the  course  of  the  last  week,  several  blind  people  have 
committed  a  long  hymn  to  memory,  and  this  evening  they 
sung  it:  so  that  my  blind  hearers  contrive  to  perform  their 
part  of  public  worship  with  great  propriety. 

The  little  sprightly  beggar  of  a  book  was  gone  to  the 
factory.  Some  of  the  aged  men,  who  have  been  without 
God,  appear  to  be  awakened  from  their  stupidity,  and  re- 
quested that  our  next  meeting  might  be  in  their  ward.  It 
is  a  singular  fact,  that  all  my  public  preaching  hitherto 
has  been  in  the  rooms  of  the  female  paupers,  and  that  the 
chief  nurses  of  those  rooms  are  pious.  They  have  con- 
tributed much  to  my  comfort,  by  making  their  rooms 
clean  for  my  reception.  Some  unusual  exertion,  which 
was  much  needed,  has  uniformly  been  made  to  purify  the 
apartments  in  which  our  assemblies  have  been  convened. 
If  no  other  purification  should  result  from  our  coming 
together,  this  will  be  no  trivial  benefit  to  the  poor. 


February  \Qth. 

An  aged  man  presented  me  the  petition  of  a  blind  boy, 
who  desired  a  hymn  book.  The  boy  v/as  born  blind,  but 
could  sing,  as  I  before  had  learned,  many  sacred  songs. 
He  can  commit  to  memory  any  common  chapter  in  the 
Bible,  by  hearing  it  read  a  few  times.  It  was  decided 
that  he  should  have  the  book,  which  was  intended  for  my 
own  use. 

When  I  entered  the  room,  I  spake  to  the  aged  woman, 
whose  case  I  have  stated  under  date  of  January  1st.  She 
expressed  great  gratitude  to  God  for  giving  her  this  holy 


VISITS    OF   MKIICY. 


day,  and  said  she  hoped  He  would  give  me  something 
good  to  give  them.  During  the  service,  she  was  much 
affected;  and  after  it,  bathing  my  hand  with  her  tears,  she 
said,  '*0  what  a  coot  Cot  I  havel  He  give  me  alUhings. 
Ho  could  my  plessed  Saviour  stoop  so  low  as  me,  as  pick 
up  me,  poor  sinner!  He  cover  my  nakedness,  wash  me, 
make  me  see,  make  me  feel,  and  take  me  to  be  his!  O  my 
plessed  Jasus!'*  I  asked  her  if  she  could  not  read  a 
Welch  Testament.  She  could,  if  she  had  it,  and  her  eye- 
sight was  not  almost  gone.  *'  Well,  then,  I  hope  Christ 
will  continue  to  teach  you  by  his  Spirit.*' 

"  O  he  has,  he  does,  I  know  he  will;  I  can  understand 
you  when  you  read  the  English  Bible;  as  my  prother  the 
minister,  said,  he  will  never  leave  me,  he  is  my  plessed 
husband,  the  bridegroom,  and  my  record  is  on  high.** 
*'Had  you  then  a  brother,  who  was  a  preacher?** 
**You,  you  I  mean;  you  pe  my  prother  in  Christ.*' 
When  I  returned  to  my  lodgings,  a  gentleman  gave  me 

a  book  for  W.  R ,  the  blind  boy;  so  that  the  writer 

had  the  pleasure  of  giving  and  receiving. 

The  hospital  I  found  this  afternoon  unusually  full. 
Besides  about  sixty  lunatics,  it  contains  at  present  two 
hundred  and  forty  patients.  In  addition  to  these,  there 
are  many  servants  and  nurses  in  the  house,  who  compose 
a  part  of  my  audience.  They  can  better  attend  public 
worship  here  than  they  could  any  where  else;  because 
when  some  under  their  care  are  dangerously  ill,  they  can 
unite  in  prayer,  or  hear  the  sermon,  and  immediately  be 
at  the  bed-side  of  their  respective  charges. 

The'deluded  child  of  fifteen  years,  M.  D.  was  present, 
and  paid  solemn  attention.  But  she  is  sick  now;  and 
many  are  seripus  while  ^  feyer  rages  in  their  blood,  who, 


64  VISITS     OF    MERCY. 

with  returning  health,  return  to  their  former  stupidity. 
This  unfortunate  I  design  to  trace,  if  possible,  in  her  fu- 
ture course.  It  cannot  be  a  long  one,  unless  God  should 
reclaim  her  by  the  power  of  the  gospel.  Should  she 
evince  a  disposition  to  live  a  moral  life  in  future,  must 
she  be  turned  out  again  upon  the  world,  to  encounter 
strong  temptation?  The  hospital  is  designed  for  the  sick, 
and  must  not  therefore  be  occupied  by  the  sound.  When 
she  is  restored  to  health,  she  must  return  to  a  worthless 
father's  house,  where  she  will  find  the  sisters  who  seduced 
her.  The  eldest  took  her  to  a  dancing  house,  provided 
a  gallant  for  her,  and  after  much  solicitation,  persuaded 
her  to  become  a  mistress.  M.  D.  thinks  she  should  never 
have  yielded,  had  it  not  been  for  the  precept  and  example 
of  this  syren  sister.  The  three  daughters  have  all  been 
ensnared  by  their  beauty,  pride,  and  idleness.  No  mother 
taught  them  to  be  industrious;  no  mother  warned  them 
of  the  horrible  pit  into  which  they  have  fallen.  Their 
father  thinks  it  enough  to  provide  himself  food  and  drink. 
By  what  profession,  then,  could  they  live;  by  what  art 
could  they  adorn  their  persons?  Under  such  circumstan- 
ces, where  there  is  no  fear  of  God,  an  effectual  repulsion 
of  insidious  approaches,  a  persevering  struggle  against 
temptation,  need  not  be  expected.  It  will  never  be  found. 
At  present  M.  D.  professes  to  detest  her  past  manner 
of  life;  but,  alas!  I  fear!  She  is  too  proud,  and  has  been 
too  much  caressed,  to  become  at  present  a  good  servant 
to  any  body  but  the  devil.  She  has  no  trade;  there  is  no 
Magdalen  Asylum  in  which  her  protection  shall  depend 
upon  her  good  behaviour;  she  must  return  to  her  former 
abode  of  temptation;  and  there  was  a  poison  in  the  cup 


VISITS   OF  MERCY.  65 

which  she  tasted,  that  will  perpetually  irritate  insatiable 
desire. 

In  such  a  city  as  this,  in  which  are  not  less  than  seven 
thousand  females  of  this  description,  it  is  devoutly  to  be 
desired,  that  some  retreat  should  be  afforded  to  those,  who, 
from  any  cause,  are  willing  to  relinquish  their  vices;  and 
that  some  association  should  be  formed,  which  shall  save 
at  least  a  few  from  what  they  deem  the  necessity  of  pros- 
tituting themselves  for  a  piece  of  bread. 

After  service,  I  prayed  with  the  wounded  negro  woman, 
of  whose  recovery  there  is  some  hope.  A  large  part  of 
her  skull  is  made  bare  by  suppuration,  and  several  parts 
of  the  cheek  bone  have  come  away;  but  she  is  perfectly 
patient,  and  resigned  to  life  or  death.  She  is  one  of  the 
weak  things  of  the  world,  who,  by  her  patience  and  hum- 
ble confidence  in  Christ,  is  calculated  to  confound  the  wise. 
Is  she  a  fool?  She  feels  pain  as  sensibly  as  other  persons| 
and  comforts  herself  with  the  plain  doctrines  of  the  Gos- 
pel. The  man  of  science  will  find,  on  his  death-bed,  that 
this  is  enviable  '* foolishness." 


February  \^th. 

*'  Now  also,  when  I  am  old  and  gray-headed,  O  God,  forsake  me  not." 

Psalm  Ixxi.  18. 

This  was  my  text  this  evening,  in  the  ward  of  aged 
and  infirm  men.  The  room  was  more  capacious  than  any 
I  htive  preached  in,  and  contained  about  two  hundred 
souls.  Every  corner,  bed,  and  bench,  was  full.  Very 
many  of  my  hearers  were  gray-headed  men.  Some  of 
them  were  the  most  perfect  pictures  which  my  mind  can 

F  2 


66  VISITS   OF  MERCY. 

conceive  of  venerable  decrepitude  and  adversity.  Some 
of  them  were  like  aged  trees,  whose  decayed  roots  have 
yielded  them  to  the  blasts  of  winter.  They  have  fallen 
on  their  beds  to  arise  no  more.  They  can  be  moved  by 
others,  but  their  leaves  are  no  longer  green,  and  their 
branches  no  longer  wave  in  the  air.  So  long  have  they 
stood  that  the  younger  trees,  which  grew  after  them, 
have  mouldered  into  dust,  and  not  a  single  scion  shoots 
up  around  the  withered  stump. 

Others  of  them  still  stand,  but  they  resemble  the  solitary 
oak  in  the  field,  whose  companions  of  the  forest,  all,  all 
are  gone;  whose  branches  have  fallen  down,  whose  body 
is  moss-grown,  whose  top  has  been  shattered  by  the 
lightnings  of  heaven,  and  which  even  now  trembles  to  its 
fall. 

♦*Thus  shiver'd  by  the  lurid  lightning-'s  blast, 
I'he  dying  fir,  late  monarch  of  the  grove. 

Still  aims  at  heaven,  with  naked  arms  upcast. 
And  pays,  or  seems  to  pay,  its  wrath  with  love. " 

W.  M.  Johnson. 

O  my  God,  when  I  am  old  and  gray-headed,  forsake  me 
not;  and  if  I  cannot  preach  to  others,  let  others  speak  to 
me  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  sinner's  righteousness,  strength, 
and  salvation! 

W.  R — ,  the  blind  boy,  repeated  a  hymn  which  he  had 
committed  to  memory  since  I  saw  him  last.  With  a  de- 
sire to  know  if  the  blind  can  have  any  notion  of  sight,  I 
said,  ''my  poor  little  boy,  have  you  ever  seen  one  ray  of 
light?" 

He  rolled  up  his  half-formed  sightless  eye-balls,  and 
said,  '*I  can  tell  by  my  feelings  when  it  is  day,  and  when 


VISITS   or   MERCY.  67 

it  is  night;  when  there  is  light  in  the  room,  and  when  there 
an't:  that's  all,  sir." 

*'Can  you  think  how  a  man  in  appearance  differs  from 
a  tree?" 

'*  I  have  never  seen  a  tree,  but  I  know  how  a  man/ee^s." 

*'  Well,  child,  you  must  hear  what  Christ  says:  believe 
in  him,  love  himj  for  he  died  for  sinners^  and  then  you 
will  see  him  in  a  better  world." 

When  I  was  going  down  stairs,  the  man,  *'  whose  coun- 
tenance indicates  past  intemperance,"  referred  to  under 
the  date  of  January  27th,  and  wHo  has  been  unusually 
serious  ever  since,  presented  himself,  and  said  in  a  low 
voice,  that  he  should  be  very  thankful  if  I  could  procure 
him  a  hymn  book.  It  was  his  intention  to  have  made  the 
application  privately,  that  he  might  not  have  rivals;  but 
two  or  three  aged  women  heard  him,  and  expressed  their 
hope  that  I  should  not  forget  them.  The  books  already 
distributed,  I  see  at  least  twice  a-week,  and  find  that  they 
are  devoted  to  a  proper  use.  Shall  this  man,  apparently 
under  deep  conviction,  a  shoemaker  for  paupers,  be  de- 
nied his  request  ?  The  books  cost  about  fifty  cents  each. 
It  is  a  small  sum,  indeed,  but  it  may  accomplish  much 
good. 


February  \7th. 

For  more  than  a  week,  with  the  exception  of  Thursday 
evening,  and  a  few  hours  on  Friday,  I  have  been  confined 
to  my  room  by  sickness;  but  to-day  I  found  the  way  to  the 
hospital  and  alms-house,  and  was  enabled  to  preach  in 
both  places,  to  many  more  grievously  afilicted  than  my- 


6S  VISITS  .OF  MERCY. 

self.  All  very  solicitously  inquired  after  my  health,  and 
without  doubt  many  sincere  prayers  were  offered  for  my 
recovery.  George  sat  on  one  side  of  me,  and  the  blind 
boy  on  the  other.  Before  me  stood  a  table,  covered  with 
coarse,  but  clean  linen,  which  served  me  for  a  pulpit, 
and  supported  a  quarto  Bible.  It  was  the  better  for  wear; 
and  although  the  property  of  an  individual,  yet  the  use  has 
been  common  to  many  widows,  who  have  designated  pas- 
sages of  peculiar  interest  to  them,  by  more  than  one  hun- 
dred diiferent  shreds  of  calico.  Until  the  Bible  Society, 
composed  of  young  men,  began  a  distribution  in  the  alms- 
house, the  word  of  God  was  a  scarce  article  among  the 
children  of  poverty.*  New  applications  were  made  for 
hymn  books,  by  some  who  told  me  they  were  *'  poor  old 
creatures,  and  had  nothing  but  religion  to  comfort  them." 
Not  one  obtained  the  favour  which  he  sought,  but  they 
shall  be  gratified,  if  God  preserves  me,  and  gives  the 
opportunity  of  seeing  them  at  the  appointed  time  of  social 
praise. 


February  21s/. 

W.  R — ,  who  is  without  father,  without  mother,  and 
without  relative,  or,  at  least  without  any  person  who  re- 
cognises relation  either  by  blood  or  afhnity,  repeated 
seven  stanzas  which  he  had  committed  to  memory  since 
the  last  sabbath. 

•  The  young  men  first  sought  out  the  cause  which  they  knew  not;  and 
since  that  time,  the  poor  in  the  hospital  and  alms-house  have  been 
honourably  supplied  by  the  two  Bible  Societies  in  this  city.  The  Bi- 
bles have  been  uniformly  preserved  with  great  care. 


VISITS    OF   MKRCY.  69 

To  the  poor  old  creatures  I  gave  neither  silver  nor 
gold;  but  what  may  be  of  more  use  to  them,  a  sermon, 
and  some  sacred  songs.  When  the  ignorant  are  anxious 
to  learn,  to  teach  them  what  relates  to  their  everlasting 
peace,  affords  higher  gratification,  than  the  luxury  of  that 
praise  which  is  bestowed  by  the  good;  a  luxury,  which 
none  but  idiots  would  reject. 


February  22nd. 


"  In  vain 

To  rave  at  mischief,  if  the  cause  remain." 

It  is  the  duty  of  christians  to  seek  the  wanderer,  and, 
if  possible,  reclaim  the  most  abandoned.  If  proper 
means  are  not  used  to  reform  those  who  have  departed 
from  the  paths  of  peace,  the  pious  ought  not  to  complain, 
that  the  wicked  continue  in  iniquity;  and  that  persons 
once  polluted  return  to  their  wallowing  in  sensuality. 
What  has  been  done  to  restore  the  fallen  females  of  this 
city  ?  To  which  of  them  has  any  benevolent  society  prof- 
fered protection.^  What  female  has  sought  to  convince 
one  of  the  miserable  of  her  own  sex,  that  the  door  of  mer- 
cy is  unfolded,  and  that  there  is  hope  for  one,  who  may 
have  been  the  habitation  of  seven  devils  ? 

It  would  be  grateful  to  believe  that  many  have  so  far 
subdued  what  is  called  the  pride  of  chastity,  as  to  imitate 
the  Saviour  of  sinners  in  seeking  the  lost.  Unkindness 
and  contempt  have  hardened  many  wretched  wanderers,  and 
left  others  to  sink,  who  possibly  might  have  been  saved. 
Legion  is  the  name  of  that  unhappy  class  of  persons,  who, 
in  the  fondness  of  expectation,  in  the  security  of  promise, 


To  VISITS  OF   MKRCY. 

in  the  ardour  of  youth,  and  madness  of  blood,  have  once 
yielded  to  the  strong  allurements  of  pleasure,  but  who 
would  never  have  yielded  to  a  second  deceiver,  had  not 
the  scorn  of  cruel  relatives  forced  them  to  the  streets  for 
bread;  or  to  the  bagnio,  for  the  gloomy  satisfaction  of 
securing  an  untimely  grave. 

Could  we  trust  our  own  integrity  to  shield  our  reputa- 
tion, or  could  we  bear  unjust  reproach  for  Christ's  sake, 
we  might  visit,  with  hearts  of  mercy,  and  hands  of  bene- 
ficence, the  most  notorious  offenders. 

The  writer  has  to-day  witnessed  one  laudable  attempt. 
Two  ladies,  on  Wednesday  last,  read  what  of  my  journal 
was  then  written,  and  felt  such  an  interest  in  the  girl  of 
fifteen,  M.  D — ,  that  they  resolved  to  invite  her  return 
from  perdition.  One  of  these  pious  persons  accompanied 
me  to  the  hospital,  and  held  a  private  conference  with  the 
motherless  child,  who  wept,  professed  a  desire  to  reform, 
and  seemed  grateful  for  the  attention.  She  could  not  read; 
neither  can  she  repeat  the  ''Lord's  prayer."  What  m.ust 
have  employed  the  attention  of  her  father  ?  Alas!  he  is 
one  of  those  parents  of  whom  great  Milton  says, 

**  Yet  they  a  beauteous  offspring  shall  beget. 

For  that  fair  female  troop  thou  saw'st,  that  seem'd 

Of  goddesses,  so  blithe,  so  smooth,  so  gay, 

Yet  empty  of  all  good,  wherein  consists 

Woman's  domestic  honour  and  chief  praise; 

Bred  only  and  completed  to  the  taste 

Of  lustful  appetence,  to  sing,  to  dance, 

To  dress,  and  troll  the  tongue,  and  roll  the  eye." 

Paradise  Lost,  B.  xi.  1.  613. 

These  children  of  Cain  are  numerous;  and  parents  of 
this  description,  who  ought  to  sustain  the  double  office  of 


VISITS   OF   MEKOY,  71 

father  and  mother  to  their  daughters,  must  render  a  most 
solemn  account  in  the  general  judgment.  How  many 
must  confess  that  they  have  been  the  indirect  causes  of  the 
prostitution  of  their  families!  "  If  thou  sayest,  *  behold, 
yve  knew  it  not,*  doth  not  he  that  pondereth  the  heart 
consider  it  ?  and  he  that  keepeth  thy  soul,  doth  not  he 
know  it  ?  and  shall  not  he  render  to  every  man  according 
to  his  works?'* 


February  24fh, 

Rev.  Dr.  Miller,  at  my  request,  delivered  a  discourse 
in  the  hospital  this  morning,  to  a  very  attentive  audience; 
and  expressed  his  full  conviction,  that  it  is  as  important 
to  maintain  the  preaching  of  the  gospel  in  this  institution, 
as  in  any  congregation  in  the  city.  Every  minister  who 
has  given  me  assistance,  and  all  the  gentlemen  who  have 
attended  public  worship  with  us,  have  expressed  the  same 
opinion. 


February  2Sth. 

This  evening,  with  George  on  my  right,  and  the  blind 
boy  on  my  left,  we  sung  three  new  hymns,  to  as  many 
new  tunes.  The  blind  commit  to  memory  with  great  fa- 
cility; which  astonishes  me;  because  when  others  learn  to 
repeat  what  is  written,  they  are  greatly  assisted  by  recollect- 
ing the  place  virhich  they  have  seen.  One  who  preaches 
from  memory,  I  am  informed,  thinks  of  the  paragraph  and 
page,  and  even  turns  over  the  leaves  in  imagination;  but  the 
memory  of  the  blind  cannot  be  local.     They  must  think. 


72  VISITS   OF   MKUCY. 

and  their  minds  must  review  their  own  operations,  more 
accurately,  than  the  greater  part  of  idle  gazers  on  the 
works  of  God.  Six  or  eight  blind  persons  can  repeat 
more  sacred  poetry  and  passages  of  inspiration,  than  all 
the  other  inhabitants  of  the  alms-house.  W.  R —  repeat- 
ed another  hymn.  He  can  always  tell  me  the  number  of 
the  hymn,  and  the  page. 

In  singing,  my  blind  musician,  very  unexpectedly,  re- 
peated, and  repeated  again,  the  second  line  of  the  fourth 
stanza,  of  the  86th  hymn^ 

"  Midst  outward  afflictions  shall  feel  Christ  within;'* 

and  onward  all  proceeded,  with  as  much  ease,  and  with  as 
little  discord,  as  had  the  repeat  been  written  in  the  music. 
The  deviation  was  so  appropriate,  that  every  one,  who 
had  heard,  would  have  honoured  the  judgment  of  this 
eccentric  singer.  The  crowd  of  hearers  was  so  great, 
that  many  were  obliged  to  stand,  and  some  on  crutches 
loo;  so  that  every  square  foot  of  room  was  occupied,  ex- 
cept immediately  before  the  fire,  where  the  preacher 
stood,  very  much  to  his  disadvantage.  But  the  Lord 
gave  the  hearing  ear,  and  one  could  well  afford  to  suffer 
from  the  want  of  fresh  air.  To  stand  in  a  confined  atmo- 
sphere, before  a  warm  fire,  amidst  the  sick,  who  are  at- 
tentive, is  not  so  painful  to  the  heart,  as  to  preach  in  a 
spacious  church,  to  empty  seats,  or  to  thoughtless  people, 
who  either  whisper,  cough  needlessly,  examine  faces,  or 
slumber.  All  ministers  of  the  gospel  must  have  their 
respective  trials ! 

Of  many  of  my  hearers,  I  may  safely  say,  that  I  have 
good  hope  of  their  spiritual  welfare.     God  bless  the  poor. 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  73 

March  3d. 

*'He  answered,  and  said,  *l  will  not;*  but  afterward  he  repented  and 
went.*' — Matt.  xxi.  29. 

In  the  hospital  these  words  commanded  attention;  and 
every  eye  was  fixed,  from  the  beginning  to  the  end  of  the 
discourse. 

Three  times,  weekly,  I  have  an  audience,  more  resem- 
bling that  which  Christ  commonly  addressed,  than  can 
be  found  in  any  place  not  devoted  to  the  poor  and  wretch- 
ed. May  I  but  tread  in  the  steps  of  my  divine  Master, 
blessed  will  be  my  ministry.  Deeply  do  I  regret,  how- 
ever, that  there  should  be  so  much  occasion  to  address 
lewd  persons  as  there  really  is,  and  that  multitudes  of 
them  should  never  hear  the  word  of  life.  The  language 
of  Christ  in  the  context  was  applicable  to  some  of  my 
hearers;  for  some  amiable  young  persons,  moral  in  life, 
who  say,  **  we  go.  Lord;  but  go  not,"  were  seated  around 
me;  and  to  these  intimate  friends  I  said,  alas!  with  truth, 
'*  verily  I  say  unto  you,  that  publicans  and  harlots  go  into 
the  kingdom  of  God  before  you." 

In  the  alms-house  I  preached  in  a  ward  which  was  full 
of  poor  mothers  with  little  children.  They  would  cry, 
and  required  attention  continually.  It  was  no  favourable 
place  for  thought  and  speech,  and  I  was  not  a  little  inter- 
rupted by  fifty  babes.  The  poor  women,  however,  were 
anxious  to  hear  what  they  could  of  the  discourse,  and  a 
small  portion  of  the  word  of  life  is  better  than  no  food. 

March  7th. 

W.  R ,  thft  blind  lad,  repeated  several  hymns.     I 

have  heard  him  read  a  chapter  in  the  Bible.     He  must 

TOL.   I.  G 


74  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

have  the  book  in  his  hand,  opened  at  the  place,  (from 
habit,  I  suppose,)  when  he  will  commence,  and  finish  the 
reading  of  many  chapters,  with  the  omission  of  only  a  few 
words.  The  person  who  first  paid  attention  to  this  child 
deserves  high  praise.  It  was  Mrs.  Graham,  an  aged 
Dorcas,  abundant  in  all  good  works.  She  found  him  not 
merely  blind,  but  like  the  greater  part  of  the  children  at 
that  time,  abounding  with  a  very  undesirable  animation, 
and  ignorant  as  the  beasts  which  perish.  She  began  to  cul- 
tivate his  mind;  and  by  the  assistance  of  "the  Friendly 
Union  Society,"  in  catechizing  him,  the  benighted  orphan 
has  obtained  as  much  knowledge  of  religion  as  most  boys 
of  his  age  possess.  He  learns,  weekly,  more  divine  songs, 
and  passages  of  the  Bible,  than  any  of  his  companions  in 
years  who  enjoy  the  light. 


March  9  th. 
♦'  Cast  thy  bread  upon  the  waters  :  for  thou  shall  find  it  after  many 

days.'* 
«  He  that  hath  pity  on  the  poor  lendetli  unto  the  Lord;  and  that 

which  he  hath  given  will  He  pay  him  again." 

The  pious  person,  of  accurate  observation,  will  never 
want  evidence  of  the  divine  faithfulness.  The  promises 
of  God,  which  relate  to  the  present  life,  as  well  as  those 
which  respect  the  future,  are  undoubtedly  fulfilled.  Who 
ever  perished  with  hunger,  that  so  trusted  in  the  Lord  as 
to  be  an  heir  of  this  promise,  "  verily  thou  shalt  be  fed?" 
Who  ever  "  waited  patiently  for  the  Lord,"  and  could  not 
affirm,  in  the  promised  hour,  "  he  inclined  unto  me,  and 
heard  my  cry:  he  brought  me  up  also  out  of  a  horrible 
pit,  out  of  the  miry  clay,  and  set  my  feet  upon  a  rock, 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  75 

and  established  my  goings?"  I  am  young,  and  have  seen 
many  promises  fulfilled.  There  are  many  who  can  declare, 
**  we  are  oldj  yet  have  we  not  seen  the  righteous  forsaken, 
nor  his  seed  begging  bread."  This  is  a  general  rule,  that 
he  who  feeds  the  young  ravens  when  they  cry,  will  make 
all  necessary  provision  for  the  offspring  of  his  people;  and 
when  we  find  the  child  of  a  good  man  reduced  to  beggary, 
there  is  commonly  good  reason  to  conclude,  that  the  pa- 
rents of  the  vagabond,  like  Eli  and  Samuel,  were  defective 
in  family  government.  The  promise  which  is  subjoined 
to  the  command,  "train  up  a  child  in  the  way  he  should 
go,"  is  not  unfrequently  thought  to  be  abrogated,  because 
many  pious  heads  of  families  have  the  reputation  of  com- 
manding their  households  after  them,  who,  in  fact,  when  their 
sons  make  themselves  vile,  restrain  them  not.  Prove  that 
a  child  has  really  been  educated  and  governed  as  he  ought 
to  have  been;  and  I  will  then  prove,  that  when  he  is  old  he 
will  not  depart  from  the  way  of  life. 

To-day  I  have  seen  that  bread  returned,  which  many 
years  since  was  cast  upon  the  waters. 

In  the  war,  which  separated  the  United  States  from  the 
crown  of  England,  a  family  was  much  reduced,  by  the 
death  of  one  of  the  heads,  and  the  loss  of  all  his  personal 
property.  The  widow,  with  her  two  daughters,  who  were 
then  young  ladies,  were  necessitated  to  keep  boarders  for 
their  subsistence.  Among  their  boarders,  was  a  native 
of  New  England,  and  a  soldier  in  the  cause  of  liberty; 
who,  while  a  resident  in  the  widow's  family,  was  visited 
with  dangerous  sickness,  and  must  have  died,  had  not  the 
daughters  of  his  hostess  treated  him  with  the  most  bene- 
volent attention.  For  six  weeks  they  watched  the  wavering 
flame  of  life,  with  the  tenderness  of  sisters,  and  expected 


76  VISITS   OF  iMKRCY. 

daily  to  see  the  last  glimmerings  extinguished  by  the 
dampness  of  death.  It  pleased  the  Lord  to  preserve  the 
soldier;  but  he  was  poor;  and  his  attendants  knew  it. 
They  did  not  expect  remuneration;  nor  was  he  able,  in 
the  hard  times  which  our' fathers  saw,  by  the  soldier's 
pay,  never  paid  to  many  of  the  brave,  to  discharge  even 
the  bill  of  his  lodging.  So  soon  as  his  health  would  per- 
mit, he  shouldered  his  gun,  and  marched  away,  to  unite 
with  his  companions  in  ^contest.  Never  did  he  again  see 
his  female  guardians;  but,  for  many  years  after,  he  told 
the  tale  of  his  misery,  and  their  kindness,  to  his  wife  and 
friends,  in  the  land  of  his  nativity. 

Tfie  widow  and  the  fatherless  cast  their  bread  upon  the 
waters:  they  had  pity  upon  the  poor  soldier.  That  widow 
is  dead:  the  soldier  has  fought  his  last  battle,  in  which, 
through  Christ,  he  was  victorious;  has  laid  aside  his 
armour,  and  now  slumbers  with  those,  who  shall  awake 
on  the  morning  of  the  resurrection,  to  walk  with  the  Cap- 
tain of  their  salvation  in  the  pure  robes  of  righteousness. 
The  two  daughters  survive.  The  widow  and  the  son  of 
the  departed  soldier  are  also  in  the  land  of  the  living. 
The  son  is  now  in  Europe;  but  his  wife  and  mother  are 
in  this  city.  A  few  days  since,  they  knew  not  that  any 
of  the  family  which  had  supported  their  near  relative  were 
in  want,  or  even  in  life.  But  a  benevolent  young  man,  of 
the  Episcopal  church,  asked  of  them  assistance  for  two 
poor  maiden  ladies,  who  were  in  poverty.  The  daugh- 
ter-in-law of  the  deceased  patriot  paid  them  a  visit.  On 
learning  her  name,  they  told  her  the  story  of  a  soldier  of 
the  same  name,  and  she  made  report  to  her  mother-in- 
law.  Behold,  that  soldier  was  her  husband,  Mr.  Hyde, 
of  whom  the  poor  women  spake. 


ViSnS  OF  iMERCY.  11 

It  was  a  remarkable  providence,  which  brought  this 
youngs  lady  to  the  assistance  of  persons,  who,  without  her 
knowledge,  had  more  than  thirty  years  ago  preserved  the 
life  of  her  husband's  father.  One  of  the  females  is  sick, 
and  her  sister  watches  over  her  sleepless  nights,  but  that 
which  they  loaned  to  the  poor,  when  they  were  in  more 
prosperous  circumstances,  is  now  returning  to  them  with 
interest. 

Reader,  would  you  provide  for  the  days  of  want,  which 
may  come?  Would  you  secure  friends  for  the  day  of  ad- 
versity? Remember  the  poor,  visit  the  widow,  comfort 
the  fatherless^  and  when  you  are  reduced  to  a  piece  of 
bread,  or  a  handful  of  meal,  may  the  descendant  of  some 
one  who  was  relieved  by  your  bounty,  furnish  you  with  a 
covering,  and  a  few  sticks  of  wood,  at  least,  to  warm 
your  withered  frame,  that  you  may  be  grateful  to  God, 
while  you  say,  with  new  convictions  of  its  truth,  that  *4t 
is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive." 


March  lOth. 

On  the  24th  of  the  last  month,  the  writer  preached  in  the 
ward  of  the  alms-house  in  which  he  held  public  worship 
this  morning:  but  the  room  was  almost  cleared  of  its  late 
inhabitants.  He  was  then  surrounded  by  many,  who  have 
since  gone  to  the  state  of  the  dead,  and  others  are  stretched 
on  the  same  beds,  to  die  in  their  tuVn,  in  the  same  manner. 
It  may  be  necessary,  here,  to  observe,  that  those  persons 
who  are  unable  to  support  themselves  in  sickness,  are 
carried  to  the  hospital,  when  there  is  a  probability  of 
their  being  restored  to  health;  but  when  they  have  chroni- 

G  2 


78  VISITS  OF  MfiRCY. 

cal  complaints,  or  when  the  hospital  is  full,  they  are 
brought  to  the  alms-house,  to  die  and  be  buried  at  the 
public  expense.  Servants  and  labourers,  who  have  not 
been  sufficiently  prudent  or  successful,  to  make  provision 
for  a  lingering  disease,  find  this  institution  their  last  home 
— but  one.  From  the  hospital,  those  who  are  pronounced 
incurable  are  also  removed  to  this  place,  that  their  remo- 
val may  make  room  for  new  patients,  who  may  be  assisted 
by  the  medical  and  surgical  attendance. 

M.  D — ,  the  girl  of  fifteen  years,  with  returning  health 
appears  less  humble,  so  that  the  intended  benevolence  of 
the  ladies  who  compassionated  her,  will  probably  be 
frustrated.  Much  it  is  to  be  feared  that  she  is  ruined  for 
time  and  eternity.  It  has  been  found  difficult  to  procure 
?.ny  place  in  a  decent  family,  where  it  is  proper  that  she 
should  reside.  The  situation  of  these  women  in  the  hos- 
pital is  unfavourable  to  reformation:  for  it  is  impossible 
to  exclude  them  from  all  intercourse  with  wicked  men. 
Possibly,  restraint,  counsel,  and  kindness,  might  pluck 
some  of  them  from  the  flames.  Again  I  exclaim,  "O  for 
a  Lock,  or  Magdalen  hospital."*  The  different  sexes 
should  not  only  have  different  apartments,  but  be  confined 
in  different  buildings.  In  the  Magdalen  of  London,  many 
are  preserved  from  the  contempt  of  the  world,  idleness, 
temptation,  and  themselves.  Some  might  be  instructed 
in  religion,  and  the  useful  arts:  yea,  some  in  this  city,  as 
well  as  the  metropolis  of  England,  might  be  rescued  from 
perdition. 

Would  it  not  be  lawful,  and  is  it  nat  expedient,  to  confine 

•  These  institutions  in  London  are  exclusively  devoted  to  outcast 
females.  The  first  heals  them;  the  second  protects  and  provides  for 
them. 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  79 

in  work-houses  some  of  the  clamorous  and  diseased  per- 
sons, who  are  a  nuisance  to  the  city?  Bridewell  is  a  place 
by  far  too  narrow  for  one  out  of  every  hundred,  who 
should  be  kept  at  some  honest  business,  for  their  own 
support.  The  morals  of  many  very  young  men  are  cor- 
rupted, and  their  health  destroyed,  by  the  allurements  of 
those  who  walk  at  liberty,  spreading  the  pestilence  in  all 
their  way.  "At  the  window  of  my  house,"  every  man  of 
observation  in  this  city  may  say,  "I  looked  through  my 
casement,  and  beheld  among  the  simple  ones,  I  discerned 
among  the  youths,  a  young  man,  void  of  understanding, 
passing  through  the  street,  near  her  corner;  and  he  went 
the  way  to  her  house  in  the  twilight,  in  the  evening,  in  the 
black  and  dark  night:  and,  behold,  there  met  him  a 
woman — subtle  of  heart."  "  With  her  much  fair  speech 
she  caused  him  to  yield;  with  the  flattering  of  her  lips  she 
forced  him."  The  writer  has  seen  a  youth  of  fifteen  years 
going  ''after  her  straightway,  as  an  ox  goeth  to  the  slaugh- 
ter, or  as  a  fool  to  the  correction  of  the  stocks,  till  a  dart 
strike  through  his  liver,  as  a  bird  hasteth  to  the  snare, 
and  knoweth  not  that  it  is  for  his  life."  This  is  stated, 
that  parents  may  beware  betimes;  for  many  never  caution 
their  children,  from  fastidious  delicacy,  until  it  is  too  late; 
too  late  for  ever! 

Last  week,  a  child  was  found,  in  the  evening,  at  the 
gate  of  the  alms-house,  which  was  deaf,  dumb,  and  lame. 
It  was  sewed  up  in  a  blanket;  and  since  no  one  acknow- 
ledged it,  the  institution  humanely  received  it.  It  is  one 
of  the  effects  of  Christianity,  that  such  asylums  are  pro- 
vided by  the  community.  The  child  appears  to  be  about 
twelve  years  of  age.  But  who  were  the  parents?  Had 
they  been  so  poor  as  to  be  unable  to  support  the  child, 


80  VISITS    OF    MERCY. 

they  would  have  brought  him  openly,  and  claimed  sup- 
port. If  they  were  able  to  protect  the  child,  and  yet 
deserted  it,  they  have  souls,  which  *'  were  made  of  sterner 
stuff."  There  was  a  similar  case  of  desertion  some  years 
ago,  of  a  poor  idiot,  who  was  found  in  the  yard  of  the 
hospital.  Whence  he  came,  no  one  knew;  but,  since  he 
was  found  on  Friday  morning,  like  Robinson  Crusoe's 
man,  he  has  been  called  by  that  name.  From  his  appear- 
ance, he  must  be  thirty  years  of  age.  Where  he  was 
born,  where  he  has  lived,  and  who  were  his  parents,  he 
knows  no  more  than  the  oyster  which  adheres  to  a  rock. 
He  has  no  more  reason  than  the  sensitive  plant,  and  though 
he  has  all  the  organs  of  speech,  yet  he  never  attempts  to 
use  them.  Like  Balaam's  ass,  he  has  uttered  a  few  articu- 
late sounds,  from  compulsion,  without  understanding  their 
meaning.  In  every  respect,  Friday,  erect  like  a  man,  is 
inferior  to  most  animals.  Would  any  of  our  race  have 
exhibited  such  a  spectacle,  had  not  sin,  deformity,  imbe- 
cility, mental  disorder,  and  idiotism,  entered  the  world 
by  the  first  transgression.^ 


March  \3th. 

"  Should  the  world  frown,  and  all  its  pleasures  fly, 
Should  every  earthly  comfort  disappear, 
And  all  the  chamis  of  nature  sink  in  darkness, 
If*thou  art  with  me,  if  thou  art  my  God, 
Am  I  not  happy?  Can  I  wish  for  more? 
Thy  gracious  presence  well  supplies  the  loss 
Of  earthly  bliss,  and  yields  superior  joy 
To  all  tliat  universal  nature  boasts." 

Mas.  Steele. 

Those  sick  and  dying  persons,  who  belong  to  no  cler- 


VISITS   OF  MERCY.  81 

gyman's  cure,  and  have  regularly  attended  no  place  of 
worship,  seem  to  be  providentially  allotted  to  me.  Many, 
who  are  ashamed  to  send  for  those  ministers  whom  they 
might  have  heard  habitually,  have  sent  me  a  request  to 
come  and  pray  with  them,  and  seem  to  think  that  I  am 
exclusively  their  property,  because  they  are  poor,  or  be- 
cause they  have  been  so  wicked  as  formerly  to  slight  all 
religious  ordinances. 

This  morning  I  have  visited  three  sick  families.  In  the 
first,  I  found  a  widow  with  two  small  children,  and  a 
young  man  on  the  bed  of  death,  who  appeared  to  be  about 
twenty-three  years  of  age.  He  was  solemn,  and  deeply 
anxious  about  the  salvation  of  his  soul.  The  law  had  per- 
formed its  appropriate  work  of  alarming,  terrifying,  and 
convincing  him;  yea,  of  killing  every  hope  of  salvation  by 
his  personal  obedience.  By  familiar  comparisons,  I  at- 
tempted to  illustrate  the  doctrine  of  a  sinner's  justification, 
on  account  of  that  work  which  was  performed,  without 
man*s  pre-concert,  or  co-operation,  when  the  Son  of  the 
Blessed  offered  up  himself  a  sacrifice  for  sin. 

In  this  doctrine  there  is  life,  and  a  gleam  of  hope  ap- 
peared to  dawn  on  the  visage  of  death.  The  young  man 
was  much  affected;  desired  prayers;  and  earnestly  entreat- 
ed me  to  call  again. 

From  this  place  I  went  to  the  abode  of  those  maiden 
females,  who  befriended  the  sick  soldier.  I  raised  the 
outer  cellar  door,  and  knocked  upon  the  inner,  which 
opened  into  their  abode.  A  feeble  hollow  voice  said, 
*'  come  in."  I  descended,  but  on  entering  saw  no  person. 
Something  like  a  coverlet,  (the  lining  and  stuffing  of  which 
was  gone  with  use,  so  that  nothing  remained  but  the 
patch-work  calico,   and   that  defective  here  and  there, 


82  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

where  one  piece  was  taken,  thirty  years  ago,  from  a  gown 
older  than  that  which  furnished  the  fellow  squares,)  was 
suspended,  like  a  curtain,  to  divide  the  cellar  into  a  kitchen 
and  bed-room.  The  sick  woman  drew  this  curtain  to  be- 
hold her  visiter. 

**What!  are  you  here  alone.'^" 

*' Yes,  alone;  but  not  alone  neither."  She  stretched 
forth  her  hand,  and  after  a  few  convulsive  struggles  with 
the  enemy  at  her  vitals,  said,  "I  am  glad  to  see  you:  I 
rejoice  to  see  any  Christian  being."  Her  sister  was  gone 
out  to  work,  for  the  day,  but  being  near,  ran  in  frequently 
to  assist  her  patient.  I  expressed  my  surprise,  that  when 
she  was  so  dangerously  sick,  she  should  be  deserted;  but 
she  replied,  that  it  was  necessary  for  their  subsistence, 
and  she  was  as  willing  to  die  with  God  alone,  as  with  any 
other  company.  After  I  had  prayed  with  her,  she  said, 
"What  a  mercy  it  is  to  me,  that  God  has  afflicted  me! 
that  he  did  not  cut  me  down,  and  sweep  me  away  in  a 
moment!  that  he  has  not  punished  me  as  I  have  deserved! 
He  has  visited  me  with  lingering  sickness,  that  I  might 
know  him,  and  love  him  better."  Such  is  the  humility, 
gratitude,  and  faith  of  this  woman,  that  in  prayer  I  had 
little  else  to  do,  than  to  thank  God  for  giving  such  rich 
consolations  of  grace  as  she  experienced,  to  miserable 
sinners.  Until  she  was  providentially  found  by  the  com- 
passionate, she  suffered  from  the  want  of  many  of  the  ne- 
cessaries of  life;  but  now  "  she  is  quite  comfortable." 

Lastly,  I  visited  the  widow  and  the  fatherless,  to  learn 
their  present  situation.  A  few  days  ago  I  was  at  the 
abode  of  the  same  woman,  and  her  little  son  was  danger- 
ously sick.  She  watched  with  him  incessantly,  which 
made  me  apprehensive  that  I  should  find  her  ill;  and  I 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  $3 

was  not  disappointed.  The  little  boy  saw  me  coming, 
and  welcomed  me  with  a  smilej  but  the  mother  was  almost 
insensible;  was  confined  to  the  bed;  had  sent  for  no  phy- 
sician; and  had  no  other  nurse  than  her  half-recovered 
child.  This  woman,  I  positively  know,  has  been  indus- 
trious, and  poverty  in  her  case  is  not  her  fault:  unless  it 
is  a  crime  to  find  needles  and  silk,  to  close  and  bind  Mo- 
rocco shoes  at  the  rate  of  four  shillings  for  twelve  pair, 
when  every  cord  of  wood  costs  her  more  money  than  she 
can  accumulate  in  a  month. 

For  her  relief,  I  had  only  to  state  her  case  to  Mrs. 
Brodhead  and  Mrs.  Perit,  daughters  of  faithful  Sarah, 
who  have  often  relieved  her,  and  will  continue  to  do  it, 
with  truly  tender  beneficence.  She  will  not  want;  for 
these  friends  of  Jesus  will  visit  her  in  person;  and  while 
they  raise  the  drooping  head,  will  pour  into  the  lacerated 
heart  the  balm  of  gospel  peace.  There  are  many  such 
pious  women  in  this  city,  and  God  reward  them  a  thou- 
sand fold. 


March  14M. 

This  evening  was  devoted  to  public  worship,  private 
conversation,  and  the  hearing  of  hymns  repeated,  in  the 
alms-house.  The  usual  solemnity  prevailed,  and  many 
were  affected  at  the  inquiry,  *'will  ye  also  go  away?" 
After  the  discourse,  some  of  the  blind  stood  around  me 
to  be  instructed,  and  expressed  so  much  gratitude,  that  I 
really  felt  ashamed  that  any  worm  should  be  thought  a 
guide,  comforter,  and  almost  a  saviour.  Let  it  not  be 
thought,  however,  tl?^at  half,  or  even  a  fourth  part  of  the 


84  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

thousand  people  in  this  institution,  are  disposed  to  pay 
constant  attention  to  the  preaching  of  the  gospel.  Some 
miserable,  polluted  beings  never  show  themselves  in  our 
assemblies;  some  are  like  the  half-day  hearers  af  a  more 
polite  audience,  and  some  never  wish  to  see  a  minister 
until  they  think  death  ready  to  plunge  them  into  hell. 


March  \7ih. 

Most  of  my  hearers,  this  morning,  were  aged  women, 
who  are  foreigners;  and  almost  every  other  person  was 
upon  crutches.  I  never  saw,  at  any  one  time,  so  many 
wooden  limbs  as  were  now  presented. 

The  good  matron,  from  Berwick  upon  Tweed,  was 
seated  with  her  cane  in  her  hand,  and  clad  with  a  blue 
cloak,  which  has  become  almost  white  with  age  and  use. 
It  is  a  cloak  by  day,  and  a  covering  by  night.  From  its 
texture,  I  am  led  to  suppose,  that  it  must  have  seen  better 
days,  when  its  owner  had  not  outlived  all  her  friends. 
Happy  is  that  person,  who  being  free  from  debt,  and  at 
peace  with  mankind,  can  wrap  himself  in  his  mantle,  say- 
ing, '*  I  have  hope  in  Christ;  I  brought  nothing  into  the 
world;  I  can  carry  nothing  away;  let  this  garment  be  my 
winding  sheet;  I  am  ready  to  depart;  come.  Lord  Jesus, 
come  quickly."*  There  was  no  object  in  the  room, 
which  did  not  excite  compassion,  except  a  little  bird, 

•  This  aged  woman,  in  the  spring  of  1812,  became  quite  infirm. 
Her  cheerfulness  seemed  to  be  supplanted  by  an  earnest  desire  to 
depart  and  be  with  Jesus.  She  was  more  childish  than  when  the 
above  was  written;  and  in  June,  fell  asleep;  but  her  piety  was  appa- 
rent under  all  circumstances. 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  85 

which  sung  occasionally  a  soft  song  to  a  poor  invalid,  its 
mistress.  She  listened  to  me,  to-day,  and  after  service 
besought  me  with  tears,  that  I  would  not  let  it  be  "  so 
long"  before  I  came  again.  Alas!  I  pitied  her.  Her 
limbs  are  drawn  into  knots  by  the  rheumatism,  and  she 
cannot  leave  her  bed;  but  other  persons  under  similar 
confinement  earnestly  contend  for  their  turns,  and  I  must 
preach  in  eight  or  ten  wards  before  she  can  be  gratified. 

The  hospital,  with  the  approach  of  warmer  weather, 
begins  to  part  with  some  of  the  patients,  who  could  not 
endure  the  frosts  of  winter.  Still  there  was  a  full  room, 
this  afternoon;  and  more  hearers  than  I  could  have  ad- 
dressed in  a  week,  had  I  gone  on  several  missions  to  the 
dispersed  inhabitants  of  the  wilderness.  Why  is  not  one 
soul  as  valuable  in  this  city,  as  one  soul  in  India?  The 
gospel  should  be  preached  to  every  creature;  but  the 
messenger  should  begin  at  Jerusalem,  and  make  a  regu- 
lar progression  to  *'  all  the  region  round  about"  her. 

So  long  as  sin  reigns,  and  this  city  exists  a  commercial 
mart,  the  two  institutions  in  which  I  labour,  will  abound 
with  miserable  offenders,  who  must  perish,  if  the  bread  of 
salvation  be  denied  them.  Here  sinners  meet,  not  only 
from  every  State  in  the  Union,  but  from  almost  every 
kingdom  of  Europe. 


March  9.0th. 

Miss  Lanse  is  numbered  with  the  dead.  She  was  re- 
stored to  reason,  and  continued  sane  for  a  few  days;  but, 
from  delicacy  of  constitution,  could  not  sustain  the  shock. 
She  was  so  extremely  weak  and  low,  that  few  were  per- 

VOL.   I.  H 


86  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

mittecl  to  visit  the  unfortunate  victim  of  tragical  farce, 
before  she  resigned  her  life  into  the  hands  of  God. 

Of  all  the  disorders,  to  which  humanity  is  subject,  that 
of  insanity  is  the  most  dreadful^  because,  in  almost  every 
instance,  it  puts  the  patient  beyond  the  reach  of  the  gos- 
pel. In  two  hundred  cases,  I  have  known  only  two  per- 
sons who  were  benefitted  by  religious  instruction.  In 
one  of  these,  a  young  man,  who  was  on  the  recovery,  but 
deeply  concerned  for  the  salvation  of  his  soul,  apparently 
derived  consolation  from  repeated  instructions.  It  was 
hope  in  the  mercy  of  God,  which  finally  established  his 
soul  in  peace ;  and  without  this  he  would  probably  have 
made  a  second,  and  fatally  successful  attempt  upon  his 
life.  The  word  of  God,  when  it  was  personally  applied, 
he  found  to  be  a  far  better  remedy  for  mental  anguish, 
than  the  razor,  which  had  stained  his  hand  with  his  own 
blood. 


March  21s/. 

Had  an  enemy  seen  me  to-night,  he  could  not  have 
wished  me  a  more  unpleasant  situation  than  I  had:  or  a 
friend  to  Jesus,  he  could  not  have  desired  a  better  employ- 
ment than  I  found  in  the  alms-house.  The  ward  of  blind 
people  was  crowded,  and  many,  who  sought  to  enter,  were 
unable.  The  room  was  warm,  and  the  atmosphere  odiousj 
but  since  our  Master  stooped  to  the  meanest  condition;  yea, 
endured  the  hardest  fare,  how  could  ministers  retreat,  until 
they  had  delivered  their  message?  The  singing  was  ani- 
mated, and  the  attention  of  the  hearers  compensated  for  the 
want  of  wholesome  air.    When  the  weather  is  warm,  it  is 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  •     87 

impossible  to  be  comfortable,  where  are  twenty  beds,  and 
more  than  one  hundred  people,  respiring  the  atmosphere 
of  a  single  room,  again  and  again.  After  the  sermon,  I 
was  sufficiently  fatigued  to  have  left  the  place.  At  this 
moment,  a  little  boy,  with  a  pair  of  bright  eyes,  wanted 
to  repeat  a  hymn;  and  two  sick  persons  sent  a  request 
that  I  would  pay  them  a  visit.  In  going  to  them,  I  passed 
through  several  rooms,  in  one  of  which  blind  Sofa,  an  old 
German  woman,  hearing  my  voice,  stretched  forth  her 
hand  to  detain  me.  She  has  been  one  of  my  constant  au- 
ditors, and  sings  broken  English  with  George  very  de- 
voutly. Her  natural  eyes  see  not;  but  her  mind  discerns 
glorious  things  out  of  the  gospel,  which  her  heart  loves. 
It  was  a  grief  to  this  poor  saint,  that  she  could  not  attend 
public  worship  this  evening.  She  was  too  unwell  to  leave 
her  room,  '*but  you  must  tell  me,'*  she  cried,  "what 
your  text  was.'* 

I  replied,  *'  She  hath  done  what  she  could,"  and  began 
to  tell  her  what  use  I  made  of  these  words.  '*0  I  re- 
member," she  said,  "the  passage  of  scripture;"  and  con- 
vinced me  that  she  was  well  acquainted  with  the  context; 
which  one  of  her  companions  promised  immediately  to 
read  for  her;  and  I  departed  to  the  bed  of  an  aged  man, 
a  soldier  in  the  revolution,  who  is  grievously  afflicted 
with  an  inflammation  of  the  head.  He  has  served  as  a 
governor  of  the  boys,  and  has  assisted  in  keeping  the 
flock  of  children  still,  who  surround  the  door  of  the  ward 
in  which  I  preach.  For  many  reasons  I  was  sorry  to  find 
him  sick*  What  I  should  do  without  him,  for  a  con- 
stable or  tithing  man  among  the  noisy  little  ones,  I  do  not 
know.  Alas!  almost  every  soldier,  when  the  toils  of  war 
are  over,  will  drink  too  freely.     It  is  the  case  with  this 


88  VISITS  OF  MEUOY. 

man.  At  the  fear  of  death  he  trembles,  but  says,  that  if 
he  was  certain  of  pardon  and  freedom  from  sin,  he  should 
be  glad  to  die.  While  I  conversed  and  prayed  with  him, 
many  of  his  room-mates,  aged,  infirm,  deformed,  and 
miserable  in  appearance,  listened  to  my  speech,  and  on 
my  departure,  offered  me  their  hands  with  many  blessings. 

Lastly,  I  visited  a  sick  woman.  "  Do  you  know  that 
you  are  a  sinner?"  ''Oh!  I  am  one  of  the  very  worst!" 
This  commenced  a  dialogue,  which  was  concluded  with 
prayer.  Her  anxiety  of  mind  is  great,  and  her  sickness 
dangerous.  Such  instruction  as  seemed  most  suitable, 
was  freely  given.  Glad,  indeed,  and  yet  sorry  was  I,  to 
leave  her^  for  a  fever  made  her  very  offensive,  while  her 
mind  was  prepared  to  receive  the  gospel.  The  room  was 
full  of  old  and  young,  sick  and  well,  good  and  bad. 

On  the  general  management  of  the  alms-house,  I  feel 
constrained  to  make  a  few  remarks.  I  do  not  censure  the 
corpol-ation  of  the  city,  nor  the  present  superintendent,  for 
he  cannot  be  every  where,  to  manage  every  thing;  and  he 
certainly  attends  to  his  duty  with  fidelity.  The  plan  of 
the  house  is  radically  wrong.  All  the  apartments  are 
large,  and  have  connexion  with  each  other.  There  is  no 
public  hall  in  which  all  the  paupers  could  eat  at  once; 
but  different  messes,  at  different  times,  are  dispersed 
through  the  house.  Although  seventy  or  eighty  children 
are  lodged  in  one  room,  in  which  all  the  beds  touch,  yet 
many  are  allowed  to  ramble  through  all  the  apartments, 
and  many  live  entirely  with  old  people.  In  some  rooms, 
husbands  and  wives,  with  children,  and  even  unmarried 
persons  sleep  together.  Marriage  is  permitted  in  the  in- 
stitution, because  it  cannot  be  prevented  under  existing 
circumstances,   to   procreate  a  future  race  of  paupers. 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  89 

These  things  should  not  be.  The  present  establishment, 
in  the  heart  of  the  city,  should  be  sold;  a  spacious  situa* 
tion  should  be  occupied,  at  some  distance  from  the  pre^ 
sent;  and  instead  of  one  immense  pile  of  buildings,  there 
should  be  at  least  four,  in  as  many  separate  enclosures. 
One -should  be  allotted  to  males,  another  to  females,  a 
third  to  children,  and  the  fourth,  containing  a  convenient 
place  for  public  worship,  to  the  superintendent's  family, 
and  the  various  offices  of  the  institution.  No  sort  of  con- 
nexion should  subsist  between  men,  women,  and  children. 
This  would  prevent  the  multiplication  of  many  paupers, 
and  much  expense.  A  minister  of  the  gospel,  and  a  teacher 
of  children,  no  less  than  a  physician,  should  be  officers  in 
the  establishment,  and  co-operate  in  the  government,  with 
the  superintendent.  The  rooms  should  be  small;  and  all 
who  are  able,  should  work.  All  in  tolerable  health,  in 
each  departnient,  should  take  their  meals  together,  to 
prevent  every  room  from  becoming  a  cook-shop  and  a 
bed-chamber. 

Several  of  the  large  rooms  are  now  filled  with  decent 
people,  and  when  an  unfortunate  person  can  obtain  a  birth 
in  one  of  them,  he  ought  to  think  it  a  great  favour;  but 
the  greater  part  of  the  wards  abound  with  the  vile;  and 
here  and  there  a  solitary  believer  is  vexed  with  the  filthy 
conversation  of  this  second  Sodom.  Every  good  man  must 
pray,  "Oh  God!  if  poverty  be  my  lot,  assign  me  not  a 
residence  among  such  transgressors:  let  me  die  in  some 
solitary  hovel,  where  I  shall  not  hear  thy  name  blas^ 
phemed." 

March  22nd, 
The  young  man  whom  I  visited  on  the  1 3th  of  the  pre- 
H  2 


90  VISITS   O?  MEROY. 

sent  month,  I  found  to-day  weaker  in  body,  and  in  nearly 
the  same  state  of  mind.  He  requested  me  to  say  the  same 
things  again,  which  I  had  communicated  on  a  former 
visitj  for  he  wished  more  perfectly  to  understand  the 
ground  of  justification,  and  the  way  of  life.  Again  was 
proclaimed  the  sinner*s  hopej  again  the  glassy  eyes,  al- 
most closed  in  death,  sl\ed  the  full  tear;  again  we  prayed, 
and  again  he  entreated  me  to  renew  my  visit.  But  death 
will  come  first.  Wliether  he  is  to  be  saved  or  lost,  is  be- 
yond human  ken;  hut  where  the  gospel  is  heard  with  at- 
tention, and  apparent  faith  in  it,  we  may  entertain  the 
fond  persuasion,  that  it  is  the  power  of  God  unto  salva- 
tion. 


March  24th. 

When  we  attempt  to  praise  God  in  the  alms-house,  the 
dialect  of  almost  every  nation  is  heard;  for  the  English, 
Scotch,  Irish,  Dutch,  German,  French,  Spanish,  and 
Italian,  as  well  as  American  poor,  have  met  together. 
What  some  of  the  foreigners  want  in  pronunciation,  they 
more  than  make  up  in  their  musical  notes.  I  have  be- 
come, now,  so  accustomed  to  this  confusion  of  dialects, 
that  it  does  not  disturb  my  devotion.  Nine  persons  are 
dangerously  sick  in  the  room  in  which  I  preached  this 
morning.  One  of  them  was  well  last  Thursday  evening, 
attended  service  in  the  blind  ward,  and  urged  me  to  preach 
in  her  room  to-day,  with  which  request  I  complied;  and 
possibly  she  may  have  heard  her  last  serriion.  She  is  now 
burning  with  a  fever.  She  is  a  widow  of  good  report,  of 
amiable  countenance,  and  of  exemplary  deportment.    She 


VISITS   OF  MERCY.  91 

has  one  little  daughter  of  about  eight  years  of  age.  The 
poor-house  has  become  her  home,  in  consequence  of  a 
"white  swelling"  on  one  of  her  limbs,  which  is  incura- 
ble, and  utterly  prevents  her  from  labour.  Poor  woman! 
Her  trials  are  great;  but  they  will  be  sanctified  to  her 
good,  and  the  divine  glory;  for  she  is  a  child  of  the  most 
High,  a  daughter  of  the  Lord  Almighty. 

My  tithing  man  sent  for  me  to  pray  with  him  again. 
His  knees  bowed  at  his  bed-side,  while  we  offered  up  such 
petitions  as  were  deemed  most  appropriate. 

From  him  I  turned  to  a  Scotchman,  in  the  same  room, 
who  on  the  fourth  day  of  this  month  commenced  his 
eighty-fifth  year.  He  told  me  in  the  broad  dialect  of  the 
land  of  his  nativity,  that  he  was  ''very  auld,  and  without 
feeling  a'most.  I  cannae  e'en  feel,"  said  he,  laying  his 
hand  on  his  vest,  "to  button  my  clothes." 

"You  know,  then,"  I  said,  "the  force  of  Solomon's 
expressions,  concerning  that  state  in  which  the  grinders 
are  few,  desire  fails;  the  hands,  the  keepers  of  the  house, 
tremble;  and  the  knees,  the  strong  men,  bow  themselves. 
The  grasshopper,  every  little  trifle,  must  have  become  a 
burthen." 

"Few  and  evil,"  he  replied,  "  have  the  years  of  my  life 
been."  The  old  man  was  well  acquainted  with  the  system 
of  Christianity;  and,  indeed,  where  will  you  find  a  native 
of  Scotland,  that  is  destitute  of  doctrinal  knowledge? 
"Could  I  be  sure,"  he  said,  "of  an  interest  in  Christ,  I 
should  think  myself  a  happy  man." 

"From  what  you  have  already  said,  I  should  think  that 
you  had  a  well-grounded  hope  of  your  being  in  Christ  by- 
faith;  and  I  trust  it  will  be  well  with  you,  when  this  time- 
eaten  garment  shall  be  laid  aside," 


92  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

**My  dear  sir,  no  man  is  certain  until  the  very  last, 
until  he  is  secure;  for  wide  is  the  gate,  and  broad  is  the 
way,  which  leadeth  to  death,  while  strait  is  the  gate,  and 
narrow  the  way,  which  leadeth  to  life.  I  have  hope,  how- 
ever. '*  When  I  left  him,  he  thanked  me  for  a  little  atten- 
tion to  "an  auld  mon."  While  I  was  coming  out,  two 
other  persons  of  seventy  years  arose  to  pay  their  respects 
to  me.  One  was  a  tall,  pale,  hoary-headed  man;  and  the 
other  was  blind.  When  I  exhorted  them  to  pray,  the 
tears  of  the  former  fell  upon  his  frosted  beard.  They 
said,  that  in  such  a  noisy  place,  they  found  it  difficult  to 
pour  out  their  hearts  to  God  in  any  corner,  but  in  the 
night,  when  most  around  them  were  asleep,  they  always 
attempted  it. 

I  could  easily  believe  their  assertion,  for  on  descending* 
and  crossing  the  yard,  I  met  not  less  than  one  hundred 
little  children,  without  any  one  to  restrain  them,  playing 
all  manner  of  gambols,  and  roaring  like  the  young  bears 
of  the  wilderness.  Some  of  the  older  ones  are  catechized 
on  the  sabbath,  by  pious  individuals,  and  the  members  of 
the  "Friendly  Union  Society;"  but  these  were  under  five 
years  of  age,  and  have  become  expert  in  mischief.  They 
should  have  a  governess  as  well  as  a  nurse;  and  under  the 
general  superintendent,  there  should  be  at  least  a  lieutenant 
over  children.  Who  will  not  be  astonished,  when  I  state 
that  some  affluent  churches  allow  some  of  their  baptized 
children  to  be  educated  in  such  a  school  of  immorality  as 
this?  The  words  of  Crabbe  are  so  appropriate,  that  I  beg 
the  reader  to  peruse  them. 

**  At  last,  with  all  their  words  and  work  content. 
Back  to  their  homes  the  prudent  Vestry  went, 
And  Uichard  Monday  to  the  work-house  sent. 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  93 

There  was  he  plnch'd  and  pitied,  thump'd  and  fed, 

And  duly  took  his  beatings  and  his  bread; 

Patient  in  all  control,  in  all  abuse. 

He  found  contempt  and  kicking  have  their  use: 

Sad,  silent,  supple;  bending  to  the  blow, 

A  slave  of  slaves,  the  lowest  of  the  low; 

His  patient  soul  gave  wa}'  to  all  things  base. 

He  knew  no  shame,  he  dreaded  no  disgrace; 

It  seems  so  well  his  passions  he  supprest, 

No  feeling  stirr'd  his  ever  torpid  breast; 

Him  might  the  meanest  pauper  bruise  and  cheat; 

He  was  a  footstool  for  the  beggar's  feet; 

His  were  the  legs  that  run  at  all  commands. 

They  us'd,  on  all  occasions,  Richard's  hands." 

In  the  afternoon,  I  had  the  pleasure  of  a  clean  room  in 
the  hospital,  and  attentive  hearers.  Many  of  them  are 
dying  men,  and  under  such  circumstances,  who  would  not 
be  attentive?  It  is  a  subject  of  no  small  gratitude  with 
me,  that  this  Institution  is  well  managed;  that  the  super- 
intendent, under  the  honourable  governors,  keeps  his 
numerous  family  in  subjection;  and,  so  far  as  he  is  able, 
promotes  the  spiritual,  as  well  as  temporal  welfare  of  the 
patients. 

In  the  hospital,  we  are  most  deficient  in  that  important 
part  of  worship,  the  singing  of  psalms  and  hymns.  I 
want  such  a  clerk  here  as  I  have  in  the  alms-house;  but 
since  there  is  no  such  patient  as  George,  I  am  happy  to 
express  my  gratitude  to  Mr.  Henry  Crocker,  for  repeat- 
edly leading  in  our  sacred  songs.  He  has  kindly  volun- 
teered his  services  in  many  instances,  and  I  trust  the  Lord 
will  reward  him  for  his  exertions  to  help  the  devotion  of 
the  poor. 


94  TISITS  OF  MERCY. 


April  5  th. 


Since  my  last  date,  I  have  performed  my  usual  services 
to  the  poor,  and  wish  it  to  be  understood,  that  I  shall  re- 
gularly preach  in  the  alms-house  twice,  and  in  the  hospital 
once,  weekly,  when  I  do  not  give  the  reader  notice  of  my 
absence. 

This  morning  the  superintendent  of  the  hospital  called, 
with  a  request  that  I  would  visit  one  of  the  patients.  I 
went  to  the  bed-side  of  the  unfortunate  female^  found  her 
in  tears,  and  left  her  in  tears.  And  would  to  God,  that 
my  fellow-citizens,  who  certainly  are  not  devoid  of  com- 
miseration, might  turn  their  attention  to  a  Magdalen 
Asylum,  when  I  assure  them  that  the  tale  I  relate,  is  no 
less  true  than  affecting. 

Four  years  ago,  a  certain  dame,  of  this  city,  whose 
name  might  be  given,  would  it  answer  any  valuable  pur- 
pose, visited  the  town  of  E n,  in  the  state  of  New- York, 

in  the  character,  and,  as  the  vulgar  would  think,  in  the 
attire  of  a  fashionable  lady.  By  appearances  and  profes- 
sions, she  imposed  on  the  simple.  She  found  a  poor, 
ignorant  widow,  who  had  many  children,  whom  it  was 
difficult  for  her  to  support^  and  among  them  a  daughter 
of  twelve  years,  who  was,  in  the  estimation  of  a  harridan, 
adapted  to  procure  the  spending-money  of  the  licentious 
in  the  middle  grade  of  sensualists.  The  girl  was  mascu- 
line, and  ignorant.  The  mother  gave  credit  to  the  speeches 
of  a  fine  lady;  and  consented  to  part  with  her  child,  that 
the  deceiver  might  make  her  a  city  chambermaid  of 
distinction.  The  daughter  was  promised  high  wages, 
kind  treatment,  and  easy  service.  The  mother  was  de- 
luded; the  deceiver  triumphed;  the  child  was  ruined. 


VISITS  OF  MEROY.  95 

The  female  monster  brought  her  prey  to  this  city,  and 
before  she  was  thirteen  years  of  age,  prostituted  her  to 
the  vilest  purposes.  In  this  deplorable  situation  she  has 
been  almost  four  years.  In  the  lapse  of  this  time,  her 
mother  has  twice  been  to  this  city  in  search  for  her  child, 

but  could  not  find  her.     Once  Amy  W n  knew  that 

her  parent  was  in  pursuit  of  her,  and  would  have  gone, 
with  all  her  growing  consciousness  of  guilt,  to  meet  one, 
who  could  have  pardoned,  while  she  reproved;  but  the 
monster  who  had  decoyed  her  from  her  mother,  absolutely 
locked  her  into  her  chamber,  an4  by  force  made  her  drunk 
with  cordials. 

Now  the  poor,  miserable,  seduced  being,  is  in  the  hospi- 
tal, and  apparently  nigh  to  the  grave.  No  mother  is  near 
to  comfort  her.  She  cannot  read  the  Bible.  She  has, 
however,  and  I  bless  God  for  the  circumstance,  the  pious 
instructions,  attentions,  and  prayers  of  the  present  matron, 
who  seeks  to  imitate  her  Master,  by  doing  good  to  the 
most  profligate. 

The  child  knew  that  she  was  a  sinner,  and  has  been  for 
some  days  deeply  afflicted  in  spirit,  as  well  as  in  body. 
Such  copious  weeping  I  never  saw  before,  in  any  single 
instance.  I  doubt  whether  Mary,  who  washed  the  feet  of 
Jesus,  shed  more  tears  in  the  same  time.  But  floods  of 
tears  cannot  wash  away  the  guilt  and  pollution  of  one  sin. 
The  blood  of  Christ,  the  precious  blood  of  the  atonement, 
cleanses  believers  from  all  sin. 

The  hope  which  may  be  rationally  entertained  of  the 
salvation  of  this  person,  is  certainly  more  animating  than 
that  which  can  be  cherished  concerning  thousands,  who 
dwell  at  ease,  and  hundreds  who,  not  knowing  the  power 
of  God,  think  it  can  be  of  no  service  to  preach  the  gospel 


96  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

to  such  wretches  as  inhabit  charitable  institutions.  Let 
those  who  are  ignorant  of  the  efficacy  of  the  living  words 
and  blood  of  Christ,  and  who  nevertheless  deem  them- 
selves Christians,  know  assuredly,  that  there  is  more 
reason  to  expect  the  salvation  of  a  Mary  Magdalen,*  than 
of  their  souls. 

In  another  corner  of  the  same  ward,  lay  a  mother  of 
harlots,  whose  face  scarcely  resembles  any  thing  human. 
Lazarus,  who  probably  knew  nothing  of  the  modern  de- 
mand for  mercury,  and  the  sores  it  produces,  was  not 
more  afflicted  than  this  :^6man.  For  years  past  she  has 
made  merchandise  of  many,  many  female  boarders,  but 
seeing  the  grief  of  Amy  W — n,  and  being  affected  at  the 
situation  of  the  country  girl,  she  said  to  me,  "  I  am  draw- 
ing near  to  the  eternal  worldj  but  although  I  have  encour- 
aged many  to  continue  in  sin,  yet  I  thank  God  that  I  never 
stole  away  and  ruined  such  an  innocent  child  as  that. 
That's  all  my  consolation !"  Miserable  consolation, indeed ! 
But  in  this  manner,  the  vilest  of  dying  sinners  seek  con- 
solation, by  comparing  themselves  with  some  of  their 
companions,  whom  they  deem  more  obnoxious  to  divine 
justice  than  themselves.  The  Pharisee  was  not  singular 
in  the  expression  of  his  heart,  "  God,  I  thank  thee  that  I 
am  not  as  other  men." 

Jpril  6th. 

^  Amy  W n  continues  in  the  same  state  of  body  and 

*  Common  use  has  rendered  this  name  descriptive  of  a  degraded  fe- 
male; but  the  scriptures  present  no  evidence  that  Mary  Magdalen  was 
a  woman  of  the  city.  The  sinner  of  whom  we  read  in  Luke  vii.  37,  is 
not  called  Mary;  but  it  was  Mary,  the  sister  of  Lazarus,  who  in  the  house 
of  another  Simon,  the  leper,  anointed  the  head  of  Jesus. 


VISITS   OF  MERCY.  9T 

mind.  She  was  convulsed  with  emotion;  wept  while  I 
prayed  for  her;  thanked  me  for  my  attention;  and  seemed 
to  think  herself  too  vile  to  excite  even  a  fellow-sinner's 
commiseration. 


April  7th. 

How  it  might  have  affected  others  I  knoAv  not,  but  to 
me  it  was  an  interesting  sight  to  see  a  tall  respectable  fe-' 
male  of  about  fifty-five  years  brought  into  our  assembly  in 
the  alms-house,  by  a  compassionate  man,  that  she  might 
hear  the  word  of  God.  The  rheumatism  has  prevented 
the  use  of  her  limbs;  so  that  she  can  neither  stand  nor  walk; 
but  she  could  sit  and  listen  to  the  doctrine  which  she  loves. 
After  sermon,  the  same  man  took  her  in  his  arms  to  her 
own  ward.* 

•  This  man  had  been  visited  with  the  palsy,  but  was  now  in  the 
possession  of  his  usual  strength.  After  the  above  date  he  frequently 
performed  the  same  service  for  the  same  pious  woman.  Som,etime  in 
the  winter  of  1812  he  was  taken  sick,  with  a  second  attack  of  Ws 
disorder.  I  visited  him;  found  him  much  agitated  in  soul,  and 
anxious  to  know  what  he  should  do  to  be  saved.  His  sins  were  his 
tormentors.  Christ,  the  Saviour  of  sinners,  was  offered  to  his  accept- 
ance, and  after  prayer  I  left  him  weeping.  A  few  days  after,  he  re- 
quested to  see  me,  when  I  had  been  preaching  and  praying  with 
other  sick  persons.  Such  was  my  fatigue,  and  indisposition  of  body, 
that  I  excused  myself  for  that  time;  but  the  next  morning  I  found  that 
he  died,  while  expressing  a  wish  that  I  was  present  to  pray  for  him 
This  18  the  only  instance  in  which  I  have  excused  myself  from  any  un- 
pleasant duty  of  this  kind;  and,  although  I  cannot  severely  censure 
myself,  because  I  was  really  sick,  yet  I  think  it  will  be  the  last.  If  I 
can  stand  and  speak,  I  am  resolved  to  pray  with  dying  sinners,  who 
request  me  to  be  their  leader  in  devotion. 

VOL.   I.  I 


98  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

The  most  pitiable  object,  whom  I  have  seen  of  late,  is 
an  Irish  woman,  who  is  dangerously  sick  of  a  fever  in  the 
alms-house.  She  was  a  good  mother,  and  wife,  before 
her  husband  deserted  her^  and  she  is  a  good  mother  still. 
From  everyone,  who  has  known  her,  I  learn  a  favourable 
account  of  her  moral  conduct.  To-day  she  would  have 
melted  any  heart.  Four  little  children  surrounded  her 
bed,  who  were  all  of  them  like  herself,  and  all  so  much 
like  one  another,  that  nothing  but  stature  seemed  to  dis- 
tinguish one  from  the  other.  All  of  them  w'ere  crying 
for  their  poor  mother.  The  whole  family  lately  came 
from  Ireland,  but  the  husband  has  left  her  with  her  babes 
to  languish, and  perhaps  to  die,  without  a  friend.  Alas  I  that 
drunkenness  should,  in  this  country,  transform  a  generous 
and  wildly  enthusiastic  son  of  Erin  into  something  worse 
than  a  brute  I  In  Hibeniia,  it  is  probable  that  this  same 
fellow  v.'ould  have  divided  his  last  potato  with  his  super- 
annuated grandmother^  or  would  have  shed  his  blood  in 
defence  of  his  wife  and  children;  but  here,  where  ardent 
sjjirits  are  sold  for  six  shillings  by  the  gallon,  wife, 
children,  relatives,  and  friends,  may  all  go  to  the  alms- 
house, or  even  to  "  Potter's  field,"  for  a  glass  of  grog.* 


April  25  th. 

Again  I  have  seen,  beside  many  other  sick  persons,  the 
deserted  Irish  woman.    She  was  found  with  three  children 

•  It  is  said  that  a  newly  naturalized  citizen,  to  induce  some  of  his 
countrymen  to  immigrate  to  this  country,  wrote  to  his  friend,  ''that 
in  America  a  man  might  get  drunk  twice  for  sixpence!"     This  is  too 


true! 


VISITS    OF   MERCY.  99 

in  one  bed,  in  a  room  in  which  were  many  widows,  or 
deserted  females,  in  the  same  predicament.  Two  were 
laid  at  the  foot  of  the  bed^  one  was  at  her  side;  and  the 
youngest  was  in  the  arms  of  a  friend  in  adversity.  If  the 
children  are  preserved  from  the  putrid  fever,  it  will  asto- 
nish me.  For  them  she  wept,  and  prayed  to  live,  while 
several  of  her  acquaintance  sobbed  in  unison.  If  any  situa- 
tion can  be  imagined,  which  requires  Mucii  grace  to  ena- 
ble one  to  resign  life  without  a  murmur,  it  is  that  of  a 
deserted  wife,  who  has  little  i)abes  hanging  about  her 
parched  lips  and  panting  bosom.  What  will  become  of 
them,  in  this  busy  world,  where  thousands  might  say  in 
truth,  "I  looked  on  my  right  hand,  and  beheld,  but  there 
was  no  man  that  would  know  me:  refuge  failed  me;  no 
man  cared  for  my  soul?"  Psalm  cxlii.  4. 


May  ]6ih. 

Since  the  last  introduction  of  the  name  of  W.  R — ,  the 
blind  boy,  he  has  repeated,  weekly,  a  hymn;  and  this  even- 
ing more  little  children  proposed  to  follow  his  example 
than  the  writer  could  patiently  heai\  ihey  had  the  pro- 
mise of  being  attended  to  at  our  next  meeting,  and  of  a 
little  book;  for  the  Rev.  Dr.  Proudfit  hud  presented  a  bun- 
dle of  tracts,  with  Owen  on  the  130th  Psalm,  for  the  bene- 
fit of  the  poor.  This  reverend  gentleman  I  have  never 
seen,  ])ut  his  books  shall  be  loaned  to  those  who  think  every 
religious  book  a  treasure;  and  in  heaven  some  one  may 
bless  him  for  publishing  and  distributing,  gratuitously 
and  otherwise,  a  cheap  edition  of  a  book,  which  clearly 
illustrates  the  doctrine  of  pardon. 


100  VISITS    OK   MKRCY. 

May  \9th. 

"Thus  must  foul  earth  be  purified  by  fire! 

Her  guilty  hosts  in  burning"  seas  expire! 

Thus  must  her  dust,  which  drank  her  Maker^s  blood. 

Be  washed  away  beneath  a  flaming-  flood.*' — B.  Francis. 

Who  can  behold  a  city  in  flames,  and  not  think  of  that 
day  in  which  the  earth  shall  burn  like  an  oven;  in  which 
all  things  in  it  shall  be  consumed  ?  While  on  my  way  to 
the  alms-house,  on  the  morning  of  this  holy  day,  the  cry  of 
nre  resounded  from  a  thousand  tongues.  The  wind  was 
unusually  boisterous  for  a  clear  day,  and  the  buildings  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  fire  were  of  wood.  In  a  few  moments, 
many  houses  were  enveloped  in  the  general  conflagration, 
and  before  one  o'clock,  more  than  one  hundred  tenements 
were  reduced  to  ashes.  Most  of  these  were  inhabited  by 
two  or  three  poor  families.  The  whole  scene  was  dread- 
ful. Mothers  were  running  in  every  direction  in  pursuit 
of  their  lost  children,  and  husbands,  in  consternation, 
were  seeking  for  their  wives.  Many  of  the  public  build- 
ings took  lire,  and  for  some  time  half  of  the  city  seemed  to 
wait  a  fiery  doom.  In  the  midst  of  this  distress,  I  enter- 
ed the  alms-house.  In  the  blind  ward,  one  of  my  pious 
hearers,  blind  Patty,  was  in  a  fit,  and  her  room-mates 
were  crying  aloud  for  hei^  and  for  themselves.  They 
knew  that  the  fire  was  near,  and  thought  that  no  one 
would  take  the  trouble  to  lead  them  out,  even  should  the 
house  over  their  heads  be  in  flames.  To  be  blind,  and  to 
be  near  the  raging  element,  must  be  alarming  indeed! 
Ok!  that  they  would  consider  this,  who  are  blind,  while 
they  stand  on  the  brink  of  hell!  At  the  sound  of  my 
voice   in    the  room,   many  exclaimed,    *'our  friend    has 


VISITS    OF    MERCY.  101 

come,"  who  felt  for  me,  and  hun^  around  the  skirts  of 
my  garment,  praying  that  I  would  lead  them  out,  until  I 
repeatedly  assured  them  that  they  were  in  no  immediate 
danger.  During  the  violence  of  the  conflagration,  I  visit- 
ed several  wards,  and  attempted  to  make  use  of  the  scene, 
by  reminding  the  paupers  of  that  day  in  which  the  heavens 
being  rolled  together  as  a  scroll  shall  pass  away,  and  the 
material  universe  shall  melt  with  fervent  heat.  Before 
twelve  o'clock  they  were  sufficiently  composed  to  attend 
to  a  discourse,  in  which  they  were  taught  to  seek  the  best 
things,  even  durablte  riches  and  righteousness. 

Ten  persons  were  confined  to  their  beds  in  the  room  in 
the  hospital  which  was  this  afternoon  visited  by  the  word 
of  the  Lord;  and  one  of  them,  who  seemed  unusually  ten- 
der upon  religious  subjects,  told  me  in  conversation,  that 
many  had  been  the  troubles  of  his  life,  '*but  they  are  not 
worthy  to  be  named;  for  I've  deserved  them  all,  and  I  think 
that  they  have  been  for  my  good."  He  was  born  in  Eng- 
land, bred  a  brewer,  and  for  some  time  past,  had  been  a 
journeyman  at  his  trade  in  this  city.  On  the  first  of  May, 
a  time  when  half  of  the  poor  remove  from  one  shed  to  an- 
other, he  was  left  houseless  for  the  night.  The  room  which 
he  had  occupied  had  been  let  to  another,  who  could  pay  a" 
higher  rent.  He  could  not,  on  that  day,  procure  another 
tenement;  and  the  new  occupant,  according  to  the  custom 
of  this  good  city,  cast  the  furniture  of  T —  T —  into  the 
street.  To  preserve  his  goods  during  the  night,  the 
brewer  seated  himself  on  a  stoop  beside  them.  When  all 
was  silence  but  the  hourly  rap  of  the  watchmen  on  the 
pavement,  he  fell  asleep.  A  young  rogue  passed  that 
way,  and  undertook  to  search  the  sleeper's  pockets,  in 
\Thich  he  found  some  money;  but  could  not  make  good  his 

I  2 


102  VISITS    OF    MERCY. 

retreat,  without  arousing  his  plundered  neighbour.  The 
brewer  gave  him  chase,  and  followed  him  into  a  cellar. 
This  is  the  last  that  he  remembers  of  the  events  of  the 
night,  but  in  the  morning  he  was  found  alone,  with  a 
bruised  head  and  a  broken  leg.  **  It  was  all  well,  how- 
ever," said  he,  concluding  his  tale  with  a  sigh,  "for  the 
sufferings  of  the  present  state  are  not  worthy  to  be  com- 
pared with  the  glory  which  shall  be  revealed  in  us.'* 

On  the  latter  part  of  the  last  week,  the  writer  had  the 
pleasure  of  finding  two  poor  women  in  the  suburbs,  who 
are  now  rejoicing  in  the  "just  God  and  Saviour,'*  but 
who  had  never  listened  to  the  glad  sound  of  the  gospel, 
before  they  heard  one  of  his  discourses  in  a  school  room. 
At  that  time  he  preached  under  the  patronage  of  the 
"Friendly  Union  Society,"  and  these  females  turned  in, 
as  they  informed  him,  from  idle  curiosity;  but  by  the 
good  will  of  God,  their  attention  was  arrested.  It  was  the 
first  discourse  which  they  had  heard  for  many  months. 
They  were  not  in  the  habit  of  attending  public  worship  in 
any  place;  but  have  since  given  abundant  evidence,  that 
they  love  all  the  ordinances  of  Christ's  kingdom. 

At  the  solicitation  of  these  children  in  the  faith,  ac- 
companied by  the  request  of  several  poor  families,  he 
sought  on  Friday  last  some  convenient  place  to  open  a 
weekly  lecture.  Having  fixed  his  eye  upon  a  school  house 
which  he  deemed  suitable  to  his  purpose,  he  drew  near  to 
it,  and  half  consented  to  retire,  from  the  reflection,  that 
he  could  not  afford  to  hire  it.  The  lecture  was  to  be  free 
for  the  poor;  and  since  contributions  were  not  to  be  taken 
up,  who  will  furnish  lights,  and  prepare  for  our  reception? 
He  had  opened  the  gate  before  he  had  answered  this  ques- 
tion, and  would  have  drawn  back  to  make  some  previous 


YISITS  OF  MEKCT.  103 

arrangement,  had  not  the  master  presented  himself,  like 
one  who  should  say,  "  pray,  sir,  what  is  your  business?'* 
To  save  him  the  trouble  of  asking  such  a  question,  the 
writer  told  him  what  was  wanted.  *'I  presume,*'  said 
the  master,  "  that  you  are  of  the  Episcopal  church." 
*'No,  sir;  but  I  wish  grace,  mercy,  and  peace,  to  all  of 
every  denomination,  who  love  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 
He  asked  the  question,  it  afterwards  appeared,  because 
he -and  the  owner  of  the  property  were  of  the  number  of 
those  lately  proscribed  beings,  praying  churchmen.  He 
gave  encouragement,  and  directed  the  preacher  to  the 
owner,  a  pleasant,  pious  man,  who  made  the  poor  welcome 
to  the  use  of  the  room,  and  said  his  son  should  be  sexton, 
if  the  applicant  would  find  candles. 

On  his  way  to  this  room,  this  evening,  he  passed  along 
the  still  smoking  ruins.  A  little  beyond  them,  he  overtook 
a  woman  of  colour,  who  appeared  to  have  been  brought 
from  Guinea,  about  eighty  years  ago.  Under  one  arm  she 
carried  five  large  brands,  which  had  been  quenched  by  the 
engines;  and  under  the  other,  a  quarto  Bible,  which  had 
lost  one  of  its  covers,  and  which,  like  herself,  appeared 
much  the  worse,  and  in  other  respects,  much  the  better, 
for  wear. 

**Poor  woman,"  said  he,  *' have  you  been  burned  out 
too?" 

"  Yes,  massa,  but  blesset  be  God,  I'm  alive." 

**  You  are  very  old  to  be  turned  out  of  house  and 
home." 

"  I  well  stricken  in  years,  but  God  does  it;  and  in  dis 
world,  'tis  one's  turn  to-day,  and  anudder's  to-morrow." 

**  Have  you  saved  nothing  but  your  Bible?" 

**  Noting  but  one  trunk  ©'things:  but  dis  blesset  book 


104  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

is  wort  more  as  all  de  rest.     It  make  me  feel  better  as  all 
de  rest.     So  long  as  I  keep  dis,  I  content." 

With  all  the  animation  of  Uncle  Toby,  when  he  said  of 
the  sick  soldier,  '*  he  sha'n*t  die;*'  but  without  his  oath, 
which  made  the  accusing  spirit  blush  as  he  gave  it  in,  and 
shed  a  tear  "  to  blot  it  out  for  ever,"  the  stranger  said,  put- 
ting his  hand  into  the  pocket,"  you  sha'n't  be  houseless." 
She  replied,  "  O  a  sister  in  the  church  has  promised  t© 
take  me  in. "  Some  good  thing  can  come  out  of  the  noisy 
Methodist  church  of  coloured  people.  The  old  saint  was 
carrying  her  sticks  to  her  sister's  house,  to  cook  necessary 
food,  and  her  Bible  to  comfort  her  heart.  She  received  a 
pittance;  and  in  return,  gave  the  stranger,  of  such  things 
as  she  had,  a  blessing  in  the  name  of  God.  It  was  of 
more  value  than  the  praises  of  many  mighty.  Perhaps 
it  rested  on  him;  for  when  he  arrived  at  the  place  of 
worship,  God  gave  him  affections  flowing  like  grateful 
streams.  His  own  heart  was  refreshed.  The  room  was 
crowded;  and  many  who  would,  were  unable  to  enter.* 


May  24th. 

The  fire  has  greatly  increased  the  population  in  my  do- 
minions. This  evening  the  doors  were  open  into  three 
wards  in  the  alms-house,  so  that  many  more  than  usual 
listened  to  my  discourse.  It  was  a  solemn  evening  to  many, 
and  God  grant  that  the  persons  burned  out  of  home,  may 
derive  some  spiritual  advantage  from  the  affliction. 

•  I  have  since  had  the  pleasure  to  learn,  that  the  discourse  which 
was  then  delivered,  was  not  without  fruit  in  the  hearts  of  others. 


VISITS   0¥   MERCY.  105 

May  26M. 

It  is  not  unusual  in  this  world  for  men  to  get  out  of 
one  unpleasant  situation  into  another.  At  the  instigation 
of  several  paupers,  who  could  not  find  seats  at  our  last 
meeting  in  the  alms-house,  I  consented  to  preach  this 
morning  in  the  school-room  of  the  institution.  It  is  situ- 
ated in  the  yard;  and  I  had  entertained  the  hope,  that  I 
should  escape  the  loathsome  effluvia  of  old  beds,  cookery, 
and  drugs;  but  I  changed  sides  to  keep  the  pain:  for  the 
room  was  full;  the  scorching  sun  could  not  be  excluded 
from  the  windows;  and  all  the  swine  of  the  place,  which 
are  not  few,  surrounded  the  building. 

Blind  George  made  his  appearance  here  in  anew  style. 
Hitherto  he  has  made  a  doleful  figure;  for  his  long  black 
hair  was  tumbled  over  his  sightless  face,  his  hempen  jacket 
and  trowsers  were  covered  with  grease,  his  hat  was  with- 
out top  and  brim,  and  his  feet  were  bare.  Designing  that 
he  should  assist  me  at  the  hospital,  I  had  thought  it  ne- 
cessary to  beg  him  a  hat,  from  a  young  man,  a  blue  broad- 
cloth coat,  of  middle  age,  from  Wm.  Smith,  and  to  furnish 
him  with  pantaloons,  a  vest,  and  shirts.  His  appearance 
now  corresponds  very  well  with  the  profession  of  clerk 
to  the  stated  preacher  to  the  poor.  He  sung  more  cheer- 
fully than  ever.  The  Irish  woman,  whose  case  I  stated, 
on  the  2 1st  of  April,  was, present,  with  her  babe  in  her 
arms,  to  give  thanks  for  her  recovery,  and  beg  a  catechism 
that  she  migiit  instruct  her  children.  She  manifests  great 
humility,  and  deeply  mourns  for  her  misguided  husband. 

In  the  afternoon,  I  led  my  clerk  to  the  hospital.  He 
was  a  great  acquisition  in  our  social  praise;  and  gave  the 
patients   great   satisfaction.     After  public    worship   was 


106  VISITS   OF   MERCY. 

over,  many  surrounded  him,  and  he  sung  solemn  songs  for 
the   space   of  an   hour.     The  stolen  country  girl,  Amy 

W n,  attended  my  discourse  with  many  tears.     She 

lives,  beyond  the  expectation  of  all  who  know  her  case. 
One  of  her  companions,  Patty,  who  is  now  recovering  the 
second  time, has  for  months  regarded  religious  instructions 
with  a  lively  interest^  and  seemed  to  be  quite  delighted 
when  George  sung  for  her  Newton's  "Good  Physician," 
and  ''the  sinner's  Friend." 

In  consequence  of  the  throng  about  the  door  of  the 
school-room  in  the  suburbs  on  the  19th  inst.  application 
was  made  for  the  use  of  the  Irish  Church  on  sabbath  even- 
ings, and,  thanks  to  the  liberality  of  the  pastor  and  his 
people,  the  privilege  sought  was  readily  granted.  To  this 
place  I  led  my  clerk  this  evening,  where  he  performed  his 
part,  to  the  satisfaction  of  a  very  attentive  audience. 


May  30th. 

On  returning  from  the  churchman's  lecture  room  this 
evening,  a  very  judicious  woman  informed  the^writer, 
that  one  of  her  acquaintance  turned  in  to  hear  his  dis- 
course in  the  Irish  church,  who  had  never  entered  a 
church  before  but  three  times  in  her  life.  This  person 
was  a  married  woman,  who  has  two  children;  but,  great 
as  her  past  negligence  has  been,  there  is  now  some  hope, 
for  she  declares  that  she  will  hear,  so  long  as  he  continues 
''  to  preach  within  her  reach."  If  one  such  heedless  sin- 
ner is  allured  to  Christ,  he  will  be  amply  compensated  for 
preaching  regularly  five  times  in  each  week;  which  he 
has  now  engaged  to  do,  so  long  as  his  health  and  other 


VISirS   OF   MERCY.  107 

imperious  circumstances  will  permit.      May  God  speed 
his  own  word. 


May  315/. 

Again  I  have  proclaimed  salvation  to  the  poor  in  the 
alms-house,  and  conversed  again  with  a  pious  woman, 
who  has  been  confined  to  her  bed  twelve  months  with  the 
rheumatism.  To  her,  I  trust,  my  services  in  the  glorious 
gospel  of  Christ  have  been  sanctified.  She  has  long  been 
one  of  the  most  emaciated  persons  I  have  ever  seen,  and 
I  was  not  surprised  to  hear  her  say,  "  for  sometime  the 
world  has  been  nothing  in  my  estimation:  Christ  is  all. 
Might  God  be  pleased  to  pardon  my  sins,  and  take  me 
away,  I  should  be  thankful;  but  I  have  no  reason  to  com- 
plain. He  has  afflicted  me  for  good."  She  is  destitute 
of  near  relatives.  Her  only  child,  a  dutiful  son,  the  last 
of  her  kindred,  died  suddenly  in  a  fit,  not  long  before  she 
entered  the  alms-house,  and  with  him  fell  every  earthly 
confidence.  God  has  been  her  support;  Christ  her  re- 
fuge. That  the  prosperous  should  desire  life,  is  natural; 
and  that  one,  who  is  friendless,  houseless,  pennyless,  weak, 
and  full  of  pain,  without  hope  of  better  temporal  circum- 
stances, but  who  has  good  hope  through  grace,  should 
desire  heaven,  is  equally  natural.  Grace  becomes  so 
much  a  part  of  the  renewed  man,  that  from  a  new  nature, 
he  very  naturally  desires  to  depart,  and  be  present  with 
Jesus,  while  that  which  is  born  of  the  flesh  shudders  at 
the  thought  of  the  coffin,  the  worm,  the  putrefaction  of  the 
grave.  Many,  who  cannot  delight  in  death,  desire  what 
is  beyond  it,  and,  from  enrapturing  prospects  of  Canaan, 
launch  into  the  dusky  Jordan. 


108  VISITS   OF  MEIICY. 

June  2nd. 
Instead  of  delivering  a  regular  discourse  in  the  hospi- 
tal to-day,  I  visited  eight  wards,  gave  a  short  exhortation 
in  each,  and  prayed  with  the  patients.  Miserable  and 
sinful  as  niost  of  these  beings  are,  they  are  not  the  most 
insensible  of  the  human  family.  Hundreds  appear  every 
sabbath  on  the  public  walks,  who  read  the  Bible  less,  think 
less,  and  pray  less,  than  the  poor  in  my  diocese.     When 

I  entered  the  ward  of forlorn hope,  and  no  male 

hearers  were  present  to  stimulate  them  to  impudence,  by 
way  of  defence  against  their  own  emotion  of  shame,  they 
were  as  attentive  as  any  audience  in  the  city,  and  some 
could  not  restrain  their  tears,  while  others  covered  their 
faces,  like  persons  who  blush  to  look  up  to  heaven. 


June  4th. 
Some  young  females  who  belong  to  the  city,  have  fre- 
quented my  lectures  in  the  alms-house.  Who  they  are  I 
know  not;  but  I  have  observed  for  some  months  past,  that 
the  ^ame  faces  are  present.  There  is  reason  to  believe, 
that  they  are  ashamed  to  appear  in  any  other  congrega- 
tion than  that  of  the  poor.  O!  that  all  the  deluded,  in 
some  place  or  other,  might  listen  to  the  doctrines  of  life. 
Some  few  poor  women,  of  good  character,  who  live  with- 
out the  walls  of  the  institution,  from  want  of  a  more  con- 
venient place  of  public  worship,  or  because  they  are  too 
poor  to  purchase  pews,  have  been  permitted  to  hold  a 
place  with  us  on  the  sabbath. 

June  Qth, 
A  short  narration  of  my  future  visits  may  give  a  ape- 


VISITS   OF   MERCY.  109 

cimen  of  my  past  conduct,  for  I  think,  in  defiance  of  cen- 
sure, to  pursue  the  even  tenor  of  my  way.  Three  patients 
I  have  particularly  visited  and  prayed  with  to-day.  One 
was  too  full  of  pain  to  make  much  reply  to  my  inquiries; 
the  second  repeated  what  he  said  on  the  last  sabbath, 
that  he  desired  nothing  so  much  as  this  life;  and  the  third, 
a  very  intelligent  man,  thought  his  case  hopeless.  Once 
he  thought  he  knew  the  Lord,  but  now  he  apprehends  that 
there  remaineth  no  more  sacrifice  for  his  sins,  because  he 
has  trodden  under  foot  the  blood  of  the  Son  of  God. 

Four  wards  in  the  alms-house  have  also  been  visited 
with  instruction  and  prayer.  Particularly  I  sought 
some,  who  had  been  sent  from  the  hospital,  under  the 
dreadful  sentence  of  "incurable  cases.*'  I  found  two. 
One,  M —  B — ,  so  soon  as  she  saw  me,  called  me  by  name, 
and  put  forth  her  withered  hand,  which  one  who  remem- 
bered that  Christ  washed  the  feet  of  his  disciples,  would 
not  refuse.  We  held  a  long  conversation  in  presence  of 
twenty,  who  are  incurable  from  the  same  cause.  M — 
B — ,  was  born  in  England,  is  about  thirty  years  of  age, 
and  has  lived  twelve  years  in  notorious  licentiousness. 
Very  few  of  this  class  of  people  have  so  long  a  course  of 
iniquity;  for  I  should  think  that  not  one  of  a  hundred  of 
them  survives  her  twenty-fifth  year.  This  woman  con- 
fesses that  she  has  been  well  instructed,  was  of  a  good 
family,  has  resisted  great  light,  and  abused  all  divine  mer- 
cies. For  three  months  past,  she  thinks  that  the  eyes  of 
her  mind  have  been  opened  to  behold  the  light  of  truth. 
Prayer  is  her  delight.  Her  greatest  present  trouble,  not 
excepting  absolute  confinement  to  her  bed,  arises  from 
her  belief  that  she  does  not  feel  so  deeply  her  own  vile- 
ness  as  she  ought.     She  has  no  expectation  of  recovery; 

VOL.    I.  K 


1  10  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

and  she  wishes  that  God  may  never  permit  her  to  arise 
again,  unless  it  is  to  depart  from  iniquity.  "Let  me 
die,"  she  says,  *'  unless  I  should  be  kept  from  sin,  and 
glorify  God  by  my  future  life."  Many  similar  things 
she  said  with  great  humility;  and  if  she  is  a  deceiver, 
she  is  an  adept  indeed.  The  other  person,  whom  I  found, 
was  Amy  W — n,  in  an  adjoining  room.  She  lay  in  the 
middle  of  it,  surrounded  by  about  thirty  as  miserable  as 
herself.  She  was  glad  to  see  me,  and  desired  prayer.  If 
any  one  cannot  pray, it  is  a  proverbial  saying,"  send  him  to 
sea:"  but  if  any  minister  cannot  occasionally  preach  with- 
out reading  his  manuscript,  send  him  to  the  alms-house. 
The  sin  and  misery  of  this  place  are  indescribable. 


June  9th. 

My  brethren,  who  have  polite  congregations,  find  no 
difficulty  in  gaining  assistance  frSm  transient  ministers; 
and  to-day  I  have  succeeded  for  the  fourth  time  in  ob- 
taining ''a  labour  of  love."  Of  course  I  preached  only 
twice  on  the  present  sabbath.  The  man  whose  chief  de- 
sire was  to  live,  retains  his  rational  faculties  at  intervals 
only.  He  desired  me  to  pray  for  him,  and  particularly 
that  he  might  live,  while  he  was  sensible  of  the  approach 
of  death.  Our  reluctance  to  meet  the  king  of  terrors  can- 
not retard  his  advancing  steps.  This  man  must  die,  and 
to-morrow  will  present  him  before  the  tribunal  of  God. 

J B ,   the  person  who   yesterday  thought  his 

case  hopeless,  does  not  doubt  the  truth  of  divine  pro- 
mises, but  their  application  to  his  case.  This  is  a  com- 
mon temptation  in  the  Christian  family.  When  I  asked 
him  what  he  would  pray  for,  might  he  offer  two  petitions 


VISITS   OF    MERCY.  1  1  I 

with  the  assurance  of  being  heard,  he  said,  *'I  would  first 
pray  to  be  received  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and  then, 
to  be  restored  to  health." 


June  Id/A. 

Early  this  morning,  he  who  clung  to  life  was  com- 
pelled to  relinquish  his  hold.  Even  so  expires  a  drown- 
ing man,  while  holding  fast  a  straw.  Who  can  render 
permanent  a  vapour,  whose  nature  it  is  to  appear  for  a 
little  time,  and  then  vanish?  Who  can  protract  what 
God  has  denominated  "a  moment.^"  Our  days  are  as 
**  nothing"  before  him. 

To  a  multitude  of  these  beings,  who,  like  myself,  are 
flitting  to  the  tomb,  I  have  this  evening  proclaimed  Jesus 
Christ,  the  Saviour.  In  my  presence  were  three  persons, 
whom  I  have  known  to  be  bed-rid  ever  since  I  first  visited 
the  alms-house.  Two  pious  women  were  brought  in  the 
arms  of  some  compassionate  men.  A  fine  little  boy  re- 
peated a  hymn,  and  having  received  a  cent,  thought  it 
ample  compensation  for  his  trouble.  Much  good  may  be 
done  at  a  small  expense;  for  I  have  procured  many  pious 
songs  to  be  committed  to  memory,  at  the  same  rate, 
which  may  prove  restraints  in  youth,  and  consolation  in 
old  age. 

In  one  part  of  the  room  in  which  I  preached,  lay  Mrs. 

M ,  a  German  woman  of  seventy-eight  years.     Often 

have  I  conversed  with  her  to  my  own  edification.  She  is 
lingering  on  the  verge  of  time,  is  full  of  humble  confi- 
dence in  Christ,  and  by  faith  looks  steadfastly  into  the 
eternal  world. 

After  public  worship  was  concluded,  I  visited  twelve 


1  12  VISITS   OF  MERCY. 

persons,  who  are  old  and  full  of  pains.  One  was  an  Irish- 
man, of  excellent  understanding,  who  is  well  acquainted 
with  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  and  apparently  with  Jesus 
crucified;  but  the  most  affecting  object  was  one  W — t,  of 
fifty  years  of  age,  who  is  reduced  to  the  borders  of  the 
grave  by  intemperance  in  the  use  of  ardent  spirits.  The 
following  dialogue  ensued. 

"  Have  you  formerly  thought  that  you  was  a  miserable 
sinner?'* 

"  Yes:  but  now  /know  that  I  am  vile.  I  have  ruined  my- 
self. I  have  been,  besides  committing  other  sins,  a  drunken 
carman  for  nineteen  years." 

**Do  you  know  how  you  can  be  saved?" 

"  7/"  /  should  live,  I  hope  God  will  enable  me  to  reform,  and 
lead  a  better  life. " 

*'  But  should  you  die  to-night,  what  would  become  of 
your  soul?  Do  you  know  of  any  way  in  which  a  rebel 
nian  can  be  justified,  and  saved  from  hell?'* 

*'  No;  I  should  have  fio  hope;  but  upon  my  word  and  honour 
I  want  to  pray  God  to  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner." 

'*No  better  prayer  can  be  offered  by  any  sinner,  and 
while  you  live  I  hope  you  will  continue  to  pray." 

''  I  do  keep  praying,  but  Pm  a  poor  sinner,  and  make  a 
miserable  hand  of  it.     Do  pray  for  me. " 

I  commenced  praying,  according  to  his  request,  and 
very  unexpectedly  to  me,  he  repeated  my  words  in  an 
audible  voice.  Perceiving  his  intention,  I  uttered  short 
sentences,  and  made  a  pause  after  each  of  them.  He  fol- 
lowed me  with  great  exertion  and  emotion.  Sometimes 
he  faltered,  then  was  silent,  while  a  few  petitions  were 
offered,  and  again  repeated  my  words,  until  his  tongue 
would  serve  him  no  longer.     The  scene  was  awfully  so- 


VISITS   OF  MERCY.  1  13 

lemn,  not  only  to  me,  but  to  a  crowd  of  paupers,  who 
nearly  filled  the  room.  Inexpressibly  horrible  is  the 
death  of  a  drunkard! 

Descending  from   this  room  into  the  cellar,  I  found 

Mr.   B e,  of  sixty-two  years,   whose  companion,  the 

wife  of  his  youth,  died  about  a  week  since.  From  that 
hour  he  has  rapidly  declined.  The  vine,  which  had  long 
shaded  the  old  oak,  was  torn  away,  and  the  scorching 
sun  has  withered  its  branches.  The  mouldering  trunk 
will  fall  soon. 

The  man  could  not  speak  to  me,  but  signified  by  ex- 
pressive gesticulation  that  he  desired  prayers.  Once  or 
twice  he  attempted  to  repeat  the  words  of  my  address, 
but  I  could  only  distinguish,  in  a  whisper,  a  part  of  the 
publican's  petition,  which  almost  every  dying  sinner,  who 
feels  his  guilt  at  all,  finds  appropriate  to  his  condition. 

From  him  I  turned  to  a  woman,  who  has  been  three 
months  in  the  same  helpless  situation.  She  informed  me 
that  she  read  her  prayers  every  day,  and  should  it  please 
God  to  take  her  out  of  the  world,  she  should  be  very 
thankful  for  his  kindness. 

It  is  NOT  a  pious  feeling  in  myself,  I  must  acknowledge, 
which  makes  me  shrink  back  from  disagreeable  duties, 
and  desire,  in  a  moment  of  gloom,  to  depart  from  a  world 
in  which  I  have  found  abundant  sin,  disappointment,  and 
misery;  but  whether  this  poor  woman's  resignation  is  of 
the  right  kind  or  not,  I  will  not  pretend  to  determine. 


June  Wth. 
To  day,  W — t  and  B — e  have  appeared  before  God. 
This  afternoon  I  have  visited  two  wards  of  the  hospital^ 


K  2 


114  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

in  which  I  gave  a  general  exhortation  to  all  present,  besides 
particularly  conversing  with  three  patients. 

J B will  not  be  comforted.     He  has  been  in 

the  habit  of  reposing  confidence  in  his  past  experience  of 
the  love  of  God,  wrought  within  him,  and  cannot  be  con- 
vinced that  it  is  safe  to  trust  himself  anew  to  Christ  for 
pardon  and  salvation.  Those  who  have  not  received  lu- 
cid instructions  upon  the  doctrine  of  justification,  who 
have  not  been  taught  a  thousand  times,  that  the  sole 
ground  of  their  salvation  is  without  them,  are  liable  to 
perpetual  disquiet.  Their  feelings  change;  they  hope  for 
salvation,  because  of  pious  feelings;  and  why  should 
not  their  hope  of  heaven  fluctuate  in  the  twinkling  of  an 
eye? 

This  unhappy  man  has  been  ignorantly  attempting  to 
make  his  imperfect  personal  righteousness  answer  that 
purpose  for  which  the  righteousness  of  Christ  alone  is 
sufficient.  No  sinner  ever  ought  to  perform  a  command- 
ed duty,  or  desire  the  lively  exercise  of  any  christian 
grace,  with  the  expectation  or  design  of  securing  heaven, 
even'in  part,  by  his  obedience.  He  must  be  pious  from 
some  otjier  motive,  or  he  will  dishonour  the  mediatorial 
work  of  Jesus  Christ. 

J B continues  to  spit  blood,  and  must  soon 

die.  He  knows  it  too,  and  discovered  that  solicitude 
which  becomes  a  dying  man.  I  repeated  to  him  Newton's 
fable  of  "the  spider  and  the  toad,"  to  convince  him  in  a 
familiar  way,  that  the  sinner  must  continue  to  apply  to 
Christ  for  pardon  and  consolation,  with  that  repentance 
which  is  unto  life;  but  when  I  came  to  that  part  which 
speaks  of  the  removal  of  the  healing  plant,  and  the  death 
of  the  toad,  from  the  sting  of  the  spider,  he  exclaimed, 


VISITS   OF   MERCY.  115 

*'  and  that  will  be  my  easel"     It  was  in  vain  I  told  hini, 
"  'Tis  here  the  happy  difF'rence  lies, 
My  Saviour  reigns  above  the  skies, 
Yet  to  my  soul  is  always  near, 
For  he  is  God  and  every  where. 
His  blood  a  sovereign  balm  is  found 
For  every  grief  and  every  wound ; 
And  sooner  all  the  hills  shall  flee 
And  hide  themselves  beneath  the  sea; 
Or  ocean,  starting  from  its  bed, 
Rush  o'er  the  cloud-top  mountain's  head; 
The  sun,  exhausted  of  its  light. 
Become  the  source  of  endless  night; 
And  ruin  spread  from  pole  to  pole, 
Than  Jesus  fail  the  tempted  soul." 

One  man,  Calvin  Otis,  with  whom  I  have  several  times 
conversed,  is  a  native  of  Connecticut.  Until  to-day,  he 
has  been  attentive  to  what  I  said,  but  quite  reserved. 
This  afternoon,  he  introduced  a  long  dialogue,  by  saying, 
*'  that  men  could  not  have  religion  by  merely  saying,  God, 
be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner." 

"True"  I  replied,  "for  even  a  parrot  may  be  taught 
to  repeat  those  words;  but  no  man  ever  prayed  for  mer- 
cy, from  faith  in  the  Saviour  of  sinners,  who  was  finally 
lost.  It  is  one  thing  to  use  the  form  of  prayer,  and 
quite  another  thing  to  pray." 

"But  the  thing  is,"  he  rejoined,  *'to  know  that  we 
really  have  that  faith,  and  are  not  deceived.'*  The  ques- 
tion was  proposed,  "do  you  doubt  of  the  truth  of  the 
Bible?" 

He  assured  me  that  he  did  not;  but  thought  it  very  diffi- 
cult for  any  one  to  know  that  he  possessed  true  religion. 
He  was  **  brought  up"  in  the  family  of  the  late  Rev.  Mr. 


116  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

Little,  of  his  native  place,  *'to  a  religious  life,"  and 
thought,  until  lately,  that  he  had  "a  good  deal  of  reli- 
gion;'* but  now  he  doubted  whether  he  had  ever  possess- 
ed any.  Thirteen  years  ago  he  came  to  this  city  to  live, 
and  for  the  last  four  years  had  been  with  three  of  his 
children,  who  are  settled  in  the  southern  part  of  our  coun- 
try. In  all  the  places  in  which  he  sojourned  south  of  Pitts- 
burgh, and  particularly  in  New  Orleans,  he  could  find  very 
little  religion.  On  the  sabbath,  the  people  would  race 
horses  and  gamble.  Most  of  the  people  whom  he  saw 
were  deists  or  atheists. 

**  Well,  did  it  not  grieve  you  to  be  without  religious  so- 
ciety, and  to  see  people  live  so  wickedly?" 

It  did,  for  almost  three  years;  but  during  the  last  year, 
he  feared  that  he  had  been  as  bad  as  any  of  them.  By 
degrees  his  faith  was  unhinged,  and  he  learned  the  wicked 
ways  of  the  people  with  whom  he  lived.  Now  he  desired 
truly  to  bewail  his  sins.  He  found  that  he  must  start 
anew,  or  perish;  for  he  could  take  no  pleasure  in  any 
thing  that  was  past.  Now  all  his  former  knowledge 
and  experience  of  vital  piety  afforded  him  no  ground  of 
hope. 

*'It  never  should  be  the  ground  of  a  sinner's  hope. 
The  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  the  only  foundation  for  christian 
hope. 

*' Too  many  have  supposed,  that  they  should  be  saved, 
because  of  some  good  work  performed  in  them  by  the 
Holy  Spirit.  Sanctification  is  an  evidence  of  such  vital 
union,  by  faith,  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as  ensures  saU 
vation;  but  it  is  in  no  case  the  reason  lohy  we  are  united 
to  the  Redeemer,  and  justified  through  his  blood;  for 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  117 

then  it  must  have  influence  before  its  existence,  and  sup- 
plant the  meritorious  services  of  the  Saviour." 

It  was  stated  to  the  sick  man,  that  his  late  defection 
was  calculated  to  make  him  seriously  question  the  ge- 
nuineness of  his  former  faith;  for  nothing  but  habitual 
hatred  of  sin,  sorrow  for  it,  and  struggles  against  it,  can 
afford  continued  evidence  of  saving  faith.  That  belief 
of  the  truth,  which  is  not  followed  by  contrition,  godly 
fear,  and  diligence  in  the  performance  of  religious  du- 
ties, is  vain. 

The  stated  preacher  has  invariably  insisted  on  the 
necessity  of  repentance,  as  well  as  faith,  in  all  his  inter- 
course with  the  poor  of  his  charge;  for  although  faith 
has  the  precedence  among  the  christian  graces,  yet  no 
one  of  them  is  ever  found  alone.  That  man  who  saving- 
ly believes  the  testimony  of  God,  concerning  sinners  and 
the  Saviour,  will  hate  iniquity,  and  turn  from  it,  while 
he  works  not  for  the  purpose  of  justifying  himself,  **but 
believeth  on  him  that  justifieth  the  ungodly." 

One  circumstance  appeared  very  favourable-  When 
any  syllable  reminded  him  of  his  religious  education,  he 
appeared  to  be  deeply  affected ;  and  when  he  learned  that 
I  was  acquainted  with  the  inhabitants  of  his  native  town, 
he  asked  if  several  of  his  early  acquaintance  had  become 
persons  of  religious  character.  When  he  was  answered 
in  the  affirmative  concerning  many  of  them,  it  appeared 
to  afford  him  great  pleasure. 

For  such  a  person  every  believer  would  pray,  "  O  Lord, 
if  he  ever  knew  thee,  return  to  him  in  tender  mercy:  if 
not,  now  give  him  to  know  Jesus,  which  is  life  eternal; 
and  may  his  future  obedience  evince  to  himself  and  others 


I  18  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

the  sincerity  of  his  faith,  the  transforming  efficacy  of  th 


love  of  Christ. 


June  14/A. 

This  afternoon  I  have  visited  six  wards  of  the  hospital. 
In  all,  the  patients  were  attentive;  and  many  of  them 
thanked  me,  not  only  with  words,  but  tears.  J —  B — , 
the  desponding  man,  is  disposed  to  pray;  but  retains 
nearly  the  same  dejection  of  spirits. 

In  one  of  the  wards  of  coloured  people  I  had  a  long 
conversation  with  J —  J — ,  who  is  thirty  years  of  age,  ac- 
cording to  the  account  of  his  master;  but  his  gray  beard 
indicates  him  to  be  at  least  fifty. 

He  thinks  that  he  has  been  much  deceived,  but  cannot 
ascertain  his  years.  He  had  heard  people  say,  that  all 
were  sinners;  and  he  knew  that  he  had  done  wrong;  but 
he  did  not  know  of  any  way  in  which  a  sinner  could  be 
saved. 

**Has  no  one  ever  instructed  you  in  religion?" 

He  had  heard  people  say  that  men  could  be  saved,  but 
he  could  not  think  how.  This  led  me  to  preach  Christ 
to  him;  and  since  he  had  been  a  sailor,  to  explain  familiar- 
ly the  doctrine  of  substitution.  I  asked  if  he  had  ever 
seen  one  man  tied  up  to  the  shrouds  for  another?  "  Uiat 
J  have  seen;  and  know7i  him  flogged  too/'' 

"  Yet  it  was  by  his  own  consent." 

*^0  yes,  or  it  would  have  been  wrong.'' 

^*But  after  the  substitute  was  chastised,  it  would  have 
been  wrong  to  punish,  with  the  same  stripes,  the  man 
whom  he  represented." 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  1  19 

All  this,  he  said  that  he  could  understand. 

"  Now  you  must  know,  that  God  sent  his  only  Son,  by 
that  Son's  consent,  to  take  the  sinner's  place,  and  be  made 
a  curse,  bearing  the  chastisement  of  his  peaces  so  that  the 
sinner  who  believes  in  Christ,  taking  him  for  his  Saviour, 
cannot  be  condemned." 

''' It  stands  to  reason. then,'*  said  the  black  man,  ''that  if 
believers' sin  ever  so  much,  they  will  not  be  punished  for  it,  be- 
cause Christ  was  punished  in  their  place.'* 

"  That  is  truej  but  do  you  think  that  any  one  who  trusts 
in  Christ  for  salvation  from  sin,  would  consent  to  sin,  be- 
cause Jesus  had  suffered  death  for  him  ?"  He  thought 
''that  would  NOT  stand  to  reason." 

Then  I  told  him  the  consequence  of  knowing  the  way 
of  life,  only  to  reject  it. 

He  confessed,  that  he  had  always  been  very  wicked, 
and  asserted,  that  no  one  had  ever  ''  taught  him  about  re- 
ligion," but  now  he  thought  that  he  should  ''attend  to  it 
with  his  might;  for  such  a  thing  ought  to  be  stuck  to,  all  one's 
life." 

Other  interesting  conversations  I  had,  which  want  of 
time  prevents  me  from  relating.     God  bless  his  word. 

In  the  evening  I  preached  in  the  alms-house,  to  a  crowd- 
ed audience,  and  then  visited  a  Mr.  L se,  aged  seventy- 
nine  years,  who  for  some  time  has  been  an  inhabitant  of 
this  place,  through  the  imbecility  of  age.  He  has  been  a 
regular  attendant  on  public  worship,  and  appears  to  have 
scriptural  views.  Soon  he  will  leave  his  miserable  resi- 
dence here  below,  and  perhaps  exchange  it  for  one  eternal 
in  the  heavens. 


120  VISITS  OF  MERCY- 


June  \6tk. 


After  public  worship  in  the  alms-house,  I  visited  four 
wards,  gave  an  exhortation  in  each,  and  prayed  with  the 
sick  in  three  of  them.  My  gracious  God,  what  a  scene 
of  misery  do  thine  eyes  behold!  How  great  must  be  the 
wickedness  of  a  fallen  world,  which  the  Heavenly  Fa- 
ther chastises  with   so  much  wretchedness,  as  even  I 

discerned.     First,  I  went  to  see  old  Mr.  L se,  who  is 

yet  alive,  but  who  will  spend  no  more  sabbaths  on  earth. 
In  the  bed  next  to  him,  directly  before  my  face,  lay  the 
corpse  of  a  younger  man  than  himself,  who  was  lately 
from  Philadelphia,  and  who  yesterday  walked  out  into  the 
city.  It  was  a  solemn  scene.  The  old  man  could  not 
speakj  but  made  me  understand  that  he  desired  to  unite 
in  prayer.  He  has  ever  been  a  punctual  attendant  on  the 
Dutch  church;  and  since  he  has  resided  in  this  place,  has 
loved  the  gates  of  Zion.  Beside  him  stood  an  aged  friend, 
looking  upon  him  with  great  tenderness,  who  has  long 
been  his  companion  in  poverty,  to  whom  the  dying  man 
gave  his  hand,  and  would  have  said,  *'  brother  in  adver- 
sity, adieu;"  but  his  tongue  refused  to  move. 

From  this  abode  of  the  living,  the  dying,  and  the  dead, 
I  went  into  the  ward  of  destitute,  sick,  and  rejected  fe- 
males. Here  the  outcasts  full  of  sores,  meet  together: 
and  not  fewer  persons  than  thirty,  I  saw,  who  are  literally 
half  consumed.  I  addressed  the  stolen  country  girl,  who 
bears  the  name  of  Amy  W — n.  Whether  this  is  her 
real  name  or  not,  I  cannot  say,  for  on  her  left  arm  I  saw, 
in  India  ink,  the  initials  J.  f  C.  and  under  them,  the  let- 
ters A.  W.  which  have  apparently  been  made  since  the 
first.     She  told  me  that  she  could  not  expect  to  recover; 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  121 

and  in  God's  name  I  exhorted  her;  but  because  she  is  too 
sad,  or  too  hardened  to  weep,  she  wept  not.  Still  I  hope 
from  her  attention  to  divine  truth,  and  apparent  gratitude 
to  the  messengers  of  pardon,  that  all  her  convictions  were 
not  washed  away  by  her  floods  of  tears  in  the  hospital. 

Having  given  a  general  invitation  to  the  gospel  feast, 
and  offered  prayers  in  this  room,  I  visited  M —  B — . 
She  told  me,  that  she  did  not  feel  her  sins  to  be  a  heavy 
burden  upon  her,  weighing  her  down  into  hell,  as  she  did 
a  few  months  ago;  because  she  believed  in  Christ,  and 
hoped  he  would  pardon  her;  while  at  the  same  time  she 
knew,  that  her  crimes  were  as  many,  as  odious,  and  as 
deserving  of  damnation,  as  they  formerly  were.  While 
I  was  conversing  with  this  outcast  female,  at  my  back 
lay  a  young  girl,  of  round  features,  of  dark  complexion, 
of  eighteen  years,  who  at  this  early  period  is  brought  to 
the  borders  of  an  untimely  grave.  When  I  asked  M— • 
if  I  should  pray  with  them,  this  poor  thing,  who  had 
been  listening,  cried  out  with  great  earnestness,  "  O  do! 
do,  sir!"  After  prayer,  I  turned  my  attention  to  her;  and 
her  cheeks  were  of  scarlet;  her  lips  were  pale;  she  trem- 
bled; but  closed  her  eyes  as  in  the  sleep  of  death,  and 
could  not  be  persuaded  to  answer  a  word. 

I  went  into  one  of  the  hospital  rooms,  in  which  Mrs. 
B — ,  the  nurse,  is  a  mother  to  the  sick;  and  in  which  I 
preached  on  Monday  evening  last.  Here  I  saw  one,  whom 
I  never  expected  to  see  in  this  grand  charnel-house  of  the 
city.  She  was  a  tall,  meagre  person,  whose  countenance 
and  manner  told  me  that  she  had  seen  better  days.  So 
soon  as  she  perceived  me,  she  stretched  out  both  hands, 
and  called  to  me,  with  the  overfloAving  of  tearful  joy. 

**How  came  you  here?"  was  the  first  question  which 

VOL.    I.  L 


122  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

escaped  from  my  lips.      "  Do  your  friends  know  that  you 
are  in  this  house?  Where  is  your  sister.'*" 

My  questions  were  soon  answered.  *'  My  kind  Master 
has  sent  me  here.  I  did  not  like  to  come;  but  somehow  he  won- 
derfully supported  me.  My  sister  is  still  living  where  you  saw 
her^  and  trying  to  support  herself .'' 

''So  your  sister  still  lives  in  the  cellar;  but  do  those 
ladies  who  assisted  you  last  winter  know  where  you  are.^" 

They  were  ignorant,  she  said,  of  her  present  situation; 
and  they  had  helped  her  so  long,  that  she  was  willing  they 
should  remain  ignorant. 

"  My  blessed  Saviour,"  said  the  weeping  shadow, 
whose  consumption  outlives  common  patience,  "  is  with 
me  here;  and  it  comforted  me  to  think,  that  I  could  see 
you  oftener,  and  hear  you  preach,  which  I  could  not  do 
where  I  lived:  so  that  I  bless  my  Lord  that  he  spares  me, 
that  he  does  not  banish  me.  O  how  good  is  Jesus  to  poor 
sinners!"  My  heart  was  supported  by  the  manifestation 
of  such  resignation;  and  I  still  thought  it  true,  that  he 
who  casts  his  bread  upon  the  waters,  shall,  after  many 
days,  receive  it  again;  for  this  old  woman,  lingering  in 
the  slow  consumption,  has  probably  been  assisted  for  as 
many  months,  as  -she  protected  the  sick  soldier  weeks. 
At  any  rate,  God  gives  her  in  recompense  the  bread  of 
life.  But,  gracious  God,  leave  me  not  to  the  charity  of 
the  world:  or  be  pleased  to  bestow  such  grace  as  will  sup- 
port me  under  all  circumstances.  When  active  usefulness 
shall  cease,  and  when  a  lesson  shall  no  longer  be  taught 
by  patience  in  suffering,  be  pleased  to  take  me  from  time. 
O  take  me  to  thyself! 

Leaving  this  good  woman,  I  addressed  the  old  German 
lady,  beside  whom  I  preached  on  the    lOth  instant.     At 


VISITS  OF  MERCY-  123 

first  she  thought  me  the  attending  physician,  but  so  soon 
as  I  spoke  to  her,  of  Christ,  "O  my  dear  friend,"  she 
said,  "you  love  Jesus,  and  you  love  my  soul."  I  per- 
ceived that  she  was  drawing  near  the  close  of  this  life, 
and  expressed  my  persuasion  that  she  would  soon  be  gone. 
"  O  yes,  sir,  I  be  glad,  should  my  blessed  Lord  come  soon 
and  fetch  m^e  home:  but  while  I  can,  I  must  eat  and  drink, 
and  not  lay  hands  on  myself.  But  I  hope  he'll  come  soon, 
and  then  I  shall  go  to  my  fathers,  and  mothers,  and  bro- 
thers, and  sisters."  The  writer  asked  if  she  spake  of  her 
relatives. 

She  replied,  '*  Ol  all  of  them  in  heaven  are  my  friends 
and  relatives.  I  should  be  glad  to  be  therej  but  I  am  in 
the  flesh  still,  and  have  not  put  on  the  perfect  robe,  pure 
and  white.     But  I  shall  wear  It  by  and  by." 

When  such  a  person  spake,  it  was  meet  that  I  should 
be  silent.     Indeed,  I  listened  with  great  delight. 

It  may  not  be  improper  to  add,  that  a  very  little  girl 
repeated  a  long  hymn,  and  obtained  a  cent,  which  is  the 
established  pecuniary  premium  for  such  exercises. 

An  old  Scotch  woman  has  repeatedly  amused  me,  while 
she  taught  me  the  im'portant  lesson,  of  doing  much  good 
at  a  little  expense.  She  comes  to  the  alms-house,  with  a 
bundle  of  tracts;  the  children  flock  around  her,  and  she 
says  to  one,  ''dear  child,  do  you  want  to  buy  a  book?" 

"I  ha'n't  got  no  money,"  cries  the  boy. 

"  But  would  you  give  me  two  cents  for  this  little  book, 
if  you  had  them?" 

"That  I  would." 

"  Well,  then,  if  you  will  learn  five  questions  and  an- 
swers, I  will  g^ive  you  one  cent;  and  when  you  have  learned 


124  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

five  more,  I  will  give  you  another  cent;  which  will  buy 
the  book/' 

The  lad  consents;  she  calls  again  to  hear  him  repeat 
his  lesson;  and  in  this  manner  she  has  sold  a  cheap  copy 
of  the  catechism  to  very  many  of  the  poor  children.  This 
same  pious  woman  I  have  often  found  reading  some  reli- 
gious book,  to  a  circle  of  old  women,  who  were  much 
gratified  by  her  enunciation  in  that  broad  dialect,  which 
was  natural  to  them,  but  which  I  could  scarcely  under- 
stand. 

In  the  afternoon  I  preached  in  the  hospital,  and  then 
visited  five  wards. 

Poor  J —  B —  died  to-day  in  despair. 

One  man,  who  was  partially  blind,  a  sailor,  followed  me 
from  room  to  room,  until,  in  the  last,  I  turned  my  atten- 
tion particularly  to  him;  but  even  then  he  remained  in 
solemn  silence. 

In  the  last  ward  which  I  visited,  I  found  one  James  Roe, 
aged  fifty-four  years,  who  had  been  attending  my  lectures, 
and  who  appeared  to  be  deeply  impressed.  I  found  him, 
as  I  found  many  in  this  well  regulated  institution,  reading 
the  Bible.  After  I  had  conversed  with  two  or  three  of 
his  companions,  and  was  turning  away,  he  said  to  me, 
<*  I  believe  what  you  say;  I  feel,  and  have  long  felt,  that 
I  am  a  poor  sinner.  Once  I  called  myself  a  Christian, 
but  I  have  behaved  worse  than  a  Turk." 

"It  gives  me  pleasure,"  I  said,  "  to  hear  you  confess 
your  sins,  and  I  hope  you  do  it  from  the  heart.  Are  you 
not  ashamed  to  say  before  these  persons,  who  may  laugh 
at  you  for  your  superstition,  that  you  believe  the  gospel?" 

**  Noy  sir y  for  whosoever  believeth  on  him  shall  not  be  ashamed. 
If  it  was  not  for  that  I  should  sink  into  despair j  for  I  have  been 


VISITS  07  MERCY.  125 

examining,  andjind  I  have  broken  every  commandment  but  one; 
for  I  do  not  think  I  have  committed  murder,^* 

''But  have  you  not  been  angry  without  a  cause,  and 
does  not  unreasonable  anther  produce  every  instance  of 
murder  which  actually  exists?" 

"  I  have  broken  that  commandment  in  that  sense,  but  I  never 
really  wished  to  kill  any  man.'' 

'*  Well,  do  you  know  how  a  sinner  can  be  saved?"  He 
had  the  Bible  open  at  the  10th  chapter  of  Rotnans,  and 
said,  ''  I  believe  all  this  book,  and  every  word  of  this  chapter, 
and  particularly  the  ninth  verse."  He  pointed  me  to  the 
place,  and  I  read,  "  if  thou  shalt  confess  with  thy  mouth 
the  Lord  Jesus,  and  shalt  believe  in  thine  heart  that  God 
hath  raised  him  from  the  dead,  thou  shalt  be  saved." 
*'This,  however,"  resumed  he,  *' troubles  me;  the  scrip- 
tures say  that  faith  without  charity  is  nothing;  and  I  have 
always  been  a  poor  man,  that  could  not  have  charity." 
This  he  really  said  with  great  grief;  but  when  I  told  him 
that  the  Greek  word  rendered  charity,  really  signifies  love, 
or  a  disposition  to  do  good  as  we  have  opportunity,  his 
difficulty  vanished.  This  fully  convinced  me  that  judi- 
cious criticism  is  really  of  great  importance,  even  for  the 
common  hearer.  The  words  of  a  dead  language,  however, 
need  not  be  quoted  to  those  who  do  not  understand  them. 

James  Roe  arose  and  walked  the  room,  saying  with 
great  emotion,  '*  0  if  I  could  mourn  for  my  sins  as  J  ought, 
and  shed  fountains  of  tears,  it  would  ease  me;  but  my  heart  is 
hard." 

**If  you  could  weep  as  much  as  you  desire,  it  would  be 
suitable,  but  it  would  be  no  reason  why  God  should  ae» 
cept  you," 


126  VISITS  OF  MEllCY. 

**  True^  sir,  I  should  merit  nothing,  if  J  should  be  in  agony 
all  the  rest  of  my  life,  but  I  feel  that  J  ought  to  mounu'' 

In  this  manner  he  mourned  that  he  could  not  mournj 
but,  alasl  he  has  a  dominant  passion!  He  was  warned  of 
his  danger,  and  exhorted  to  bring  forth  such  fruits  as  are 
becoming  the  profession  of  repentance.  • 


June  ]8th. 

This  evening  I  preached  in  the  alms-house,  heard  two 
children  repeat  hymns,  visited  old  Mr.  L — se,  and  receiv- 
ed from  one  of  the  poor  helpless  women,  a  bunch  of  roses, 
which  was  all  she  could  give  in  testimony  of  her  gratitude. 
To  have  rejected  it,  would  have  been  unkind  indeed. 
During  service,  which  was  in  the  blind  room,  a  blind  me- 
thodist  preacher  offered  one  of  the  prayers.  His  language 
was  proper,  and  I  trust  his  heart  sincere,  but  I  lamented 
that  he  was  so  vociferous  as  really  to  pain  my  auditory 
nerves.  Why  cannot  these  good  people  use  the  natural 
language  of  fervour  and  respect,  without  unnatural  voci- 
feration.^ Is  their  God  afar  off?  Or  is  he  deaf.^  Or  is  he 
moved  by  such  excessive  noise  as  indicates  almost  every 
thing  but  respect? 


June  \9th. 

To-day  I  have  visited  seven  wards  in  the  hospital. 
Some  with  eager  looks  followed  me  from  room  to  room, 
that  they  might  hear  of  Jesus,  crucified  for  the  sins  of 
men. 

Calvin  Otis  says  that  when  he  is  full  of  pain,  he  desires 


VISITS   OF   MERCY.  127 

to  die  for  two  reasons;  first,  from  a  desire  to  be  free  from 
pain,  and  secondly,  from  fear  that  such  a  poor  sinner  as 
he  is,  will  never  be  better  prepared. 

With  James  Roe  I  conversed  again.  Taking  off  his 
hat,  and  looking  up  with  the  deepest  reverence,  he  said; 
*'  I  declare,  sir,  in  the  presence  of  God,  who  I  think  hears 
jne,  that  I  think  I  am  the  vilest  sinner  in  this  hospital." 

This  Roe  has  been  a  sailor  for  about  forty  years,  and 
says  that  he  never  took  to  reading  the  Bible  much  until 
within  a  few  months.  His  progress  in  the  knowledge  of 
the  scriptures  is  certainly  wonderful. 

With  one  Wm.  H— on,  who  is  far  gone  in  the  con- 
sumption, I  have  often  conversed,  and  particularly  to-day. 
His  convictions  appear  to  be  of  the  right  kind.  He  waits, 
and  even  hopes  for  death.  When  about  to  leave  the  place 
where  he  lies,  I  observed  a  young  sailor,  who  was  raising 
blood  profusely,  and  who  was  in  tears.  Before  to-day  I 
had  not  addressed  him  individually,  but  now  I  found  him 
anxious  about  the  salvation  of  his  soul.  He  tells  me  that 
his  attention  was  first  excited  the  other  day,  by  my  con- 
versing and  praying  with  H — on.  Now  the  young  man 
feels  that  he  is  a  sinner,  and  bewails  it  bitterly.  In  short, 
1  have  considerable  hope  concerning  five  or  six,  who  are 
now  patients  in  this  place.  But,  alas!  the  greater  part 
will  hear  from  respect  to  we,  who  care  not  a  rush  for 
Christ. 

With  a  Roman  Catholic  patient  I  reasoned.  He  was 
ready  to  confess  his  sins,  he  said;  and  demanded  of  me, 
*' what  follows.^"  ^'' If  you  truly  and  humbly  confess  your 
sins  to  God,  pardon  follows^  as  God^sfree  gifi.^^ 

*'I  confess  my  sins  to  my  priest,"  said  he,  **and  when 
I  confess  to  him  I  confess  to  God." 


128  VISITS    OF    MEllCY. 

This  is  a  Catholic  of  more  than  ordinary  information; 
but  the  other  clay  some  sin  burthened  his  conscience,  and 
he  would  neither  eat,  nor  obey  the  prescription  of  the 
physicians,  until  his  confessor  came  to  disburthen  his 
guilty  soul. 

The  writer  discoursed  also  with  one  captain  Jarvis, 
who  has  experienced  many  reverses  of  fortune,  as  the 
world  is  pleased  to  say;  but  who,  two  years  ago,  after  he 
was  seventy  years  of  age,  was  found  by  Jesus  Christ.  He 
converses  very  sensibly;  is  ready  to  live  or  to  die,  and 
manifests  an  unshaken  confidence  in  the  truth  of  God. 

"I  know,"  said  he,  "that  I  am  an  old  sinner;  but  God 
will  not  lie.  He  says  he  will  pardon  and  accept  me  in 
Jesus  Christ;  and  I  am  sure  he  will,  because  he  says  so. 
The  words  of  God  are  all  faithful.  O  what  a  mercy  it  is, 
that  he  did  not  let  me  die  before  he  brought  me  to  believe 
in  him;  and  while  I  was  in  my  sins." 


June  2\st. 

This  morning  I  have  visited  four  wards  of  the  hospital, 
and  could,  had  I  time,  relate  much  interesting  conversa- 
tion. Captain  Jarvis  talks,  and  appears  to  feel  like  a 
saint.  The  Roman  Catholic,  whom  I  saw  on  Wednesday, 
appeared  to  be  pleased  with  the  information,  that  he 
might  confess  his  sins  to  God,  in  anyplace:  but  in  another 
room  I  said  to  the  dying  H — on,  ''continue  to  confess 
your  sins  to  God,  for  none  can  forgive  sins  but  God  alone;" 
and  did  not  know  that  a  Catholic  heard  me.  I  turned 
however  to  a  sick  man,  and  asked  how  long  he  had  been 
afflicted.     He  answered,  '•^four  months,'* 


VISITS    OF    MERCY.  129 

"  Well,  I  hope  your  sickness  will  be  sanctified  to  you." 
"Sir,*'  said  the  sickjnan,  roughly,  *'when  I  want  a 
priest  I  will  send  for  one.  We  are  of  different  religions." 
This  is  the  first  open  repulse,  that  I  ever  received  from 
any  one  of  the  patients.  I  assured  him,  that  I  claimed  no 
right  to  teach  him,  and  had  in  no  case  imposed  my  services 
upon  any  one,  contrary  to  his  inclination;  but  I  desired  him 
to  remember,  that  there  is  but  one  religion  in  heaven,  and 
but  one  religion  that  leads  to  heaven,  which  consists  in 
repentance  toward  God,  and  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
With  these  words  I  left  him;  but  he  could  not  help  railing 
at  me,  for  saying  to  another,  without  a  thought  of  hurting 
the  feelings  of  any  one,  "that  all  the  men  on  earth  could 
not  forgive  a  single  sin." 


June  22nd, 

To-DAY  captain  Jarvis  went  home.  The  Catholic  who 
was  well  disposed,  and  who  thought  yesterday  that  he 
was  recovering,  has  likewise  departed  this  life.  Within 
twenty-four  hours,  four  persons  have  died  in  the  hospital. 

This  evening  I  preached  in  the  alms-house,  in  the  hear- 
ing of  the  soldier's  friend,  and  many  other  afflicted  per- 
sons. 


June  23  d. 

Many  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  alms-house  followed  their 
preacher  to  the  hospital  and  Irish  Church,  to-day,  that  they 
might  hear,  and  as  it  were  treasure  up  a  store  against  the 
time  of  his  temporary  absence,  which  has  been  announced 


130  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

to  them.  At  both  places  of  worship  George  sung  as  he 
has  invariably  done,  since  he  commenced  his  extensive 
clerkship.  This  blind  man  has  been  of  great  service  to 
many;  and  it  gives  him  satisfaction  to  be  cleanly  in  attire 
one  day  out  of  seven,  and  to  change  occasionally  the  scene 
of  his  benighted  life. 

After  the  public  worship  is  concluded  in  the  hospital, 
he  remains  there,  and  sings  in  different  wards,  until  even- 
ing. The  nurses  and  patients  treat  him  with  great  atten- 
tion, and  seem  pleased  to  give  him  a  portion  of  their  good 
things.  They  ought,  truly,  to  communicate  to  him  of 
their  food,  for  one  says,  *' George,  will  you  sing  this 
hymn?"  and  then  another  pleads,  that  he  would  go  to  the 
couch  of  another  dying  patient,  and  sing  a  second,  third 
or  fourth  sacred  song.  "The  labourer  is  worthy  of  his 
hire." 

In  this  manner  he  performs  his  part,  in  the  consolation 
of  the  sick ;  and  not  unfrequently  arrests  the  attention  of 
those  who  lightly  esteem  the  word  of  God. 

After  I  have  visited  the  hospital  once  more,  I  deem  a 
vacation  necessary  for  my  health.  To  depart,  for  a  sea- 
son, is  a  matter  of  reluctance,  because  many  will  proba- 
bly die  without  instruction.  When  one  sick  man  is  ad- 
dressed, many  listen;  and  in  the  course  of  a  few  days,  not 
unfrequently  some  one  of  them  desires  "  that  minister" 
to  be  called,  who  lately  visited  his  companions.  In  this 
manner,  new  applicants  for  spiritual  treasures  are  pro- 
cured, who  would  otherwise,  most  commonly,  die  in 
stupidity. 

Even  so  died,  annually,  not  less  than  two  hundred  per- 
sons, in  these  two  institutions,  before  there  was  any  esta- 
blishment of  a  stated  ministry  for  their  benefit. 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  131 

*'  But  are  our  efforts  only  to  be  directed  to  the  heathen? 
Do  they  alone  need  our  aid?  From  different  parts  of  our 
city  cries  reach  us  in  the  language  of  the  man  of  Mace- 
donia, *  come  over  and  help  us.*  They  are  the  cries  of 
our  Christian  brethren,  who  once  like  you  enjoyed  the 
benefits  of  a  gospel  ministry,  but  in  the  course  of  provi- 
dence have  been  deprived  of  them.  They  feel  their  wants 
the  more  sensibly,  because  they  know  from  past  experi- 
ence the  value  of  divine  ordinances.  Their  case  is  pain- 
full their  necessities  urgent."* 

''  Is  there  a  Christian  here,  who  knows  how  to  do  good 
unto  all,  but  especially  unto  them  that  are  of  the  household  of 
faith?  Among  these  afflicted,  who  are  sinking  under 
their  infirmities,  and  have  not  where  to  lay  their  heads, 
are  some  to  whom  the  celestials  minister,  and  who  are 
fellow  heirs  with  Christ  rn  glory.  I  state  the  facts:  I  use  no 
arguments:  I  leave  the  result  with  your  consciences,  your 
hearts,  and  your  God."t 

Were  Christians  solicitous  as  they  should  be  to  evince 
their  faith  to  the  world  by  their  works,  were  they  mind- 
ful of  their  high  destination,  or  would  they  constantly 
remember  that  there  is  but  a  step  between  them  and  death, 
there  would  be  no  want  of  ministers  of  the  gospel,  nor 
any  lack  of  a  suitable  support  for  them.  Men  and  money 
enough  can  be  found  for  all  other  purposes  beside  religion. 
When  was  it  difficult  to  find  men,  who  would  teach  and 
bear  rule  in  social  and  civil  matters  ?  Let  us  strive  to  act 
for  eternity  under  this  impression,  that  it  is  appointed 
unto  all  men  once  to  die,  and  after  the  dissolution  of  soul 
and  body,  to  appear  before  the  judgment  seat  of  Christ. 

*  Dr.  Uomeyn's  Sermon  before  the  Committee  of  Missions. 
\  Dr.  Mason's  Sermon  on  Living-  Faith. 


132  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

**  O  death,  thou  king  of  terrors!  dreadful  name! 

Nor  rev'rend  hoary  age,  nor  blooming  youth, 

Nor  boasted  strength,  escape  thy  fatal  dart. 

Not  the  persuasive  power  of  beauty's  charms, 

Nor  the  soft  moving  tears  of  innocence 

Can  stay  thy  hand:  nor  can  the  miser's  gold, 

Nor  all  the  treasures  of  the  eastern  shore, 

Buy  one  short  moment  of  relentless  death." — Mrs.  Steele. 


Lord's  Bay,  July  28M. 

Ov  Thursday  last  I  returned  to  this  city,  after  having 
been  absent  four  sabbaths,  and  on  Friday  visited  both  the 
institutions  in  which  I  labour. 

Were  a  representation  of  the  lively  joy  which  was  mani- 
fested on  this  occasion  to  be  attempted,  I  should  undoubt- 
edly be  thought  proud  of  the  esteem  of  the  poor.  It  may 
be  permitted  to  me,  however,  to  state,  that  I  could  not 
wish  a  more  welcome  reception. 

In  the  morning  of  this  day  I  preached  in  the  alms-house 
to  many;  and  should  have  addressed  more,  but  they  could 
not  gain  admission  to  the  room. 

In  the  afternoon  some  of  the  paupers  who  desired  to 
attend  public  worship  twice  on  the  sabbath,  followed  their 
preacher  to  the  hospital.  He  stood  in  the  long  gallery, 
between  two  rooms,  and  had  more  hearers  than  could  be 
conveniently  seated.  It  is  not  amiss  for  the  well,  some- 
times to  stand,  and  hear  a  discourse,  but  it  will  not  favour 
the  restoration  of  the  sick.  The  superintendent  wisely 
decided,  that  in  future,  no  persons  shall  be  admitted  from 
the  alms-house  excepting  the  blind  clerk  and  his  leader. 

An  English  blood  was  one  of  the  hearers  in  the  hospi- 


VISITS   OF   MERCY.  133 

tal,  who  was  brought  in  to  have  a  broken  knee  made 
whole.  He  has  a  fine  countenance,  and  one  who  was  ig- 
norant of  his  history  would  certainly  be  prepossessed  in 
his  favour.  Such  an  eye  as  he  possesses  does  not  indicate 
a  bad  temper. 

But  he  came  to  this  country  almost  destitute  of  pecunia- 
ry resources,  and  completely  devoid  of  principle.  He 
was  soon  after  followed  by  a  young  lady,  to  whom  he  had 
been  long  engaged,  and  who  was  so  unfortunate  as  to  love 
him.  Unworthiness  is  often  discovered,  when  the  heart 
says,  *'it  is  too  late!"  and  when  the  development  of  cha- 
racter presents  a  feeble  o1)struction  to  the  indulgence  of 
that  passion  which  has  become  dominant  in  the  soul. 
This  young  woman  must  have  imagined  her  pretended 
lover  worthy,  when  she  first  indulged  a  partiality  for  himj 
and  perhaps  she  thought  that  his  face  could  not  be  the 
index  of  dishonourable  character. 

When  she  arrived  in  America,  (according  to  precon- 
cert between  them,  I  believe,)  she  had  property,  and  he 
had  none;  and  being  disposed  to  secure  a  little  fortune, 
Avith  little  trouble,  he  was  united  to  her  in  the  solemn 
bands  of  wedlock,  by  a  reverend  gentleman,  who  can  at- 
test the  fact. 

It  might  have  been  expected,  that  from  this  day,  ac- 
cording to  covenant,  they  should  be  no  longer  twain,  but 
one.  This  was  not  the  case,  for  the  young  man  having 
come  into  possession  of  her  property,  before  the  night  of 
the  day  of  their  marriage,  sailed  on  a  mercantile  expedi- 
tion to  one  of  the  southern  islands,  where  he  contrived 
to  squander  the  four  or  five  thousand  dollars,  which  he 
had  obtained  by  a  sort  of  connubial  swindling. 

After  some  time  he  returned  to  this  city,  and  avoided 

VOL.    I.  M 


134  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

seeing  the  woman  whom  he  had  deeply  injured.  He 
boarded  in  a  respectable  family,  and  sought  to  ^ain  the 
affections  of  another  young  lady,  whom  he  persuaded  him- 
self that  he  loved  to  desperation. 

The  rumour,  that  Mr.  was  already  married,  came 

to  the  ears  of  the  father  of  the  female  whom  he  sought, 
and  in  consequence  of  this,  the  young  man  was  banished 
from  the  house.  The  fact  of  his  union  to  the  woman 
who  claimed  him  for  her  husband,  he  solemnly  deniedj 
but  at  this  critical  juncture  he  was  arrested  in  the  public 
streets  by  a  civil  officer,  who  would  have  led  him  to  the 
proper  abode  of  such  a  cockney.  The  prisoner  requested 
that  he  might  be  permitted  to  ride  to  Bridewell,  because 
he  was  a  gentleman:  and  assured  the  man  in  authority,  that 
if  he  would  relinquish  his  hold  of  the  bridle,  there  should 
be  no  escape,  no  resistance.  Repeatedly  the  blood  pro- 
mised, by  all  that  was  sacred,  to  ride  with  his  keeper 
peaceably  to  the  place  of  destination.  Behold,  now,  the 
value  of  this  exclamation,  *'upon  my  sacred  word  and 
honour!"  So  soon  as  the  officer  believed  the  assertion, 
the  person  whom  he  trusted,  put  spurs  and  whip  to  his 
horse,  that  he  might  escape.  Away  he  fled  like  John 
Gilpin;  and  the  officer  followed  hard  after  him;  but  the 
way  of  transgressors  is  hard;  for  in  full  career  through 
Broadway,  the  horse  of  the  fugitive  dashed  his  rider 
against  a  cart,  and  fractured  his  leg.  By  this  event  he 
was  made  a  prisoner  again;  and  now  is  not  only  a  patient, 
but  a  prisoner  in  the  hospital.  What  is  to  be  the  issue  I 
know  not;  but  I  could  wish  that  he  might  return  to  his 
senses,  and  prove  himself  a  faithful  husband  to  her  who 
is  his  lawfully  wedded  wife. 

It  is  said,  that  she  still  tenderly  regards  him,  and  would 


VISITS   OF   MERCY.  135 

gladly  pardon  all  his  misconduct.     Something  within  him 
should  say, 

"  Can  that  soft  fabric  stem  affliction's  tide  ^ 
Canst  thou,  fair  emblem  of  exalted  truth. 
To  sorrow  doom  the  summer  of  thy  youth; 
And  I,  perfidious!  all  that  sweetness  see 
Consign'd  to  lasting  misery  for  me?" — Falconer, 


August  \st. 

Eight  wards  of  the  hospital  have  been  visited  to-day, 
in  such  a  parochial  way,  as  I  suppose  faithful  pastors 
visit  the  families  of  their  congregations.  My  own  mo- 
tives I  shall  not  presume  to  state,  for  my  readers  would 
be  dependent  on  the  testimony  of  one  person  concerning 
himself;  but  this  may  be  asserted,  and  I  trust  accredited, 
that  more  apparent  good  has  resulted  from  personal  con- 
versations, than  from  public  discourses.  These  should 
never  be  separated.  A  popular  sermon  resembles  a  note 
of  hand;  and  the  private  application  which  should  follow 
is  like  the  endorsement,  which  often  proves  the  most  im- 
portant part  of  the  instrument.  An  old  pastor,  of  my 
acquaintance,  has  been  in  the  habit  of  saying  to  young 
ministers,  ''remember  to  back  your  discourses  well,  in 
your  intercourse  with  your  people." 

When  a  few  personal  questions  are  proposed  to  a  pa- 
tient, he  feels,  like  that  man  who  was  the  only  auditor  of 
a  clergyman  on  a  rainy  sabbath,  that  the  doctrine  must 
be  intended  for  himself,  and  not  for  others.  The  circum- 
stance, that  he  was  the  only  hearer,  so  powerfully  arrested 
his  attention,  that  the  sermon,  which  he  then  heard,  was 
sanctified  to  his  conviction  of  sin,  and  conversion  to  God* 


136  VISITS   OF  MERCY. 

In  one  of  the  wards,  an  aged  woman,  whom  all  denomi- 
nate '*  grandmother,*'  was  yet  alive,  while  a  sweet  little 
child,  which  the  Almoners  of  the  Dorcas  Society  found 
half  starved  in  a  garret,  clothed,  and  placed  in  the  hospi- 
tal, was  dead.  This  society  is  of  modern  origin;  and  has 
already  done  much  good.  The  members  of  it  deserve  an 
honourable  record  of  this  fact,  that  they  make  all  the  gar- 
ments which  they  distribute,  with  their  own  hands.  One 
of  the  company  reads  some  entertaining  book,  while  all 
the  other  members  ply  the  needle.  From  unfeigned  re- 
spect to  the  ladies  of  this  charity,  the  writer  begs  their 
acceptance  of  the  following 

HYMN. 

The  heavens  declare  Jehovah's  praise. 

Let  earth  her  incense  yield. 
For  He  who  clothes  the  sun  with  rays, 

With  verdure  clothes  the  field. 

In  gay  attire  the  lilies  stand, 

With  ev'ry  humble  flow'r. 
To  own  their  drap'ry  from  his  hand 

Who  mingles  love  with  pow'r. 

He  gives  each  bird  a  plumy  dress 

To  shield  it  from  the  storm; 
And  to  preclude  a  hare's  distress, 

A  vestment  soft,  and  warm. 

From  heav'n's  high  wardrobe  ev'ry  lamb 

With  fleecy  wool  is  drest, 
And  ev'ry  lion  with  his  dam 

Receives  a  sackcloth  vest. 

The  tender  tribes  are  finest  clad. 

And  coarser  clad  the  bold. 
But  heaven  permits  not  tigers  road 

To  perish  with  the  cold, 


VISITS   OF   MERCY.  iS7 

When  the  first  pair  of  human  race 

Knew  exigence  by  sin, 
A  sacrifice  prefigurM  grace. 

And  coats  were  made  of  skin. 

He  makes  the  flaxen  herbage  grow; 

He  bids  the  silk-worm  spin. 
And  cotton  thrive,  in  summer's  glow, 

To  yield  us  garments  thin. 

In  spring,  their  fleece  the  flocks  divide 

With  ev'ry  northern  clan, 
To  warm  mankind,  and  humble  pride 

In  ev'ry  fallen  man. 

To  imitate  her  Maker's  love 

Good  Dorcas  was  intent. 
And  when  ascending  far  above 

A  pattern  downward  sent. 

Some  females  found  it,  and  have  made 

Like  vestments  for  the  poor. 
The  naked  poor  of  ev'ry  grade, 

The  white  child,  and  the  Moor. 

In  robes  of  heaven- wrought  righteousness 

May  ev'ry  Dorcas  shine, 
And  bless'd  by  others,  Jesus  bless. 

For  garments  all  divine. 

Almost  every  face  in  the  ward  of  courtesans  was  new  to 
me;  but  I  found  one  sad  young  thing,  called  Caroline, 
reading  the  Bible,  and  commended  her  conduct  in  search- 
ing the  scriptures.  "I  think  it,  sir,"  she  replied,  *'the 
best  of  books,  while  I  am  confident  that  I  have  violated 
all  its  principles.'* 

In  another  ward,  I  approached  the  bed  of  the  young 
Englishman,  and  conversed  with  a  sicit  man,  whose  wife 

M  2 


138  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

supported  her  husband's  head  on  the  next  couch.  What 
I  said  to  this  person  was  as  much  designed  for  the  Eng- 
lishman as  himself;  but  I  avoided  the  appearance  of 
knowing  any  thing  about  the  latter.  When  I  was  turn- 
ing away,  the  apparently  neglected  young  man  said,  *'we 
all  feel  indebted  to  you,  sir,  for  your  attentions,  and  I 
hope  we  shall  profit  from  them."  His  words  were  ut- 
tered in  a  soft  tone,  and  with  a  pleasingly  pensive  coun- 
tenance. 

Hastily  turning  around  to  him,  and  fixing  my  eyes 
firmly  on  him,  with  mingled  emotions,  I  said,  ''it  would 
give  me  great  delight  to  be  of  service  to  you  all.  I  am 
constrained  to  acknowledge,  that  had  not  divine  power 
prevented,  I  might  have  been  in  your  situation;  and  there- 
fore do  not  imagine  that  I  reproach  you,  from  any  dispo- 
sition to  say,  '  God,  I  thank  thee,  that  I  have  made  myself 
to  differ.'  " 

When  I  gazed  on  his  mild  eyes,  they  looked  something 
like  ingenuous  shame,  and  they  were  cast  down.  Who 
could  believe  the  story  of  his  baseness.^ 

*'  Forlorn  of  hope,  the  lovely  maid  he  left, 
Pensive  and  pale,  of  ev'ry  joy  bereft. 
She  to  her  silent  couch  retir'd  to  weep, 
While  her  mad  swain  embarked  upon  the  deep." 

''  You  appear  to  be  of  my  age,  and  I  presume,  in  rela- 
tion to  worldly  prospects,  have  seen  better  days.  May 
your  latter  end  be  better  than  the  beginning  of  life." 

'*  I  am  twenty-five  years  of  age,"  said  the  youth  with  a 
smile,  and  intimated  that  he  was  gratified  with  the  interest 
which  a  stranger  appeared  to  take  in  his  welfare. 

"  We  have  lived  long  enough  to  know  the  vanity  of 
that  'world,  whicli  lieth  in  wickedness.'     I  have  tasted 


VISITS   OF  MERCY.  1  .S9 

of  the  bitter  cup  of  disappointment,  vexation,  sorrow, 
and  anguish,  because,  through  my  whole  life,  I  have  been 
a  sinner.  Let  me  tell  you,  friend,  that  all  your  troubles 
are  the  effects  and  due  punishments  of  your  own  wicked- 
ness." 

After  this  speech,  he  said  that  he  would  frankly  confess 
himself  a  gay  and  thoughtless  fellow;  but  it  was  from  the 
want  of  reflection  that  he  had  yielded  to  almost  every 
temptation. 

*'  Now,  then,  you  have  time  for  reflection.  '  In  the  day 
of  adversity  consider,'  for  '  thus  saith  the  Lord,  consider 
your  ways.'  If  you  are  not  brought  to  serious  reflection 
on  the  past,  if  you  make  no  preparation  for  the  future, 
your  suff'erings  will  be  of  no  use,  and  all,  even  the  soul, 
will  be  lost  for  ever." 

After  much  confusion  of  face  he  recovered  confidence, 
and  diverted  the  discourse  from  personal  applications  of 
truth,  to  doctrinal  discussion.  He  proposed  many  ques- 
tions about  the  nature  of  repentance,  the  certainty  of  di- 
vine forgiveness,  and  the  evidences  of  a  future  judgment. 

Repentance,  in  general,  was  stated  to  be  such  a  change 
in  a  person's  conceptions  as  is  inseparably  connected  with 
regret  for  past  conduct,  and  a  determination  to  pursue  a 
different  course  in  future.  Repentance  relates  to  our  own 
actions;  for  I  may  lament  the  misconduct  of  others,  but 
can  never  repent  for  their  transgressions.  Evangelical,  or 
saving  repentance,is  such  a  change  in  a  person's  conceptions 
of  evangelical  truth,  as  is  inseparably  connected  with  regret 
for  past  sin,  hatred  of  it,  and  solemn  purpose  of  new  obe- 
dience. From  an  apprehension  of  the  mercy  of  God  in 
Christ,  the  penitent  feels  the  emotions  of  hatred  against 
all  unbelief,  and  of  earnest  desire  to  live  a  life  of  faith  on 


140  VISITS   OF  MERGY. 

the  Son  of  God.     This  change  of  mind  will  produce  a 
corresponding  alteration  in  the  external  conduct. 

The  certainty  that  God  will  forgive  the  sins  of  every 
believer,  so  as  not  to  punish  him  for  one  of  them,  was 
proved  by  some  of  the  positive  assertions  of  Jehovah, 
which  are  recorded  in  the  Holy  Scriptures. 

That  there  will  be  a  future,  general  judgment,  may  be 
rendered  probable,  from  a  statement  of  the  principles  of 
distributive  justice,  and  the  proof  of  the  fact,  that,  in  the 
present  world,  all  men  are  not  treated  by  the  moral  Gover- 
nor of  the  universe  according  to  their  conduct:  but,  when 
it  is  granted  that  the  scriptures  were  given  by  inspiration 
of  God, it  is  enough  to  read,  that  God  "hath  appointed  a 
day  in  the  which  he  will  judge  the  world  in  righteousness." 

The  same  young  man  argued  in  favour  of  a  state  of  in- 
sensibility between  death  and  the  resurrection,  "  because,'* 
he  said, "  none  can  be  miserable  until  they  are  condemned.'* 
He  had  forgotten  that  unbelievers  "  are  condemned  al- 
ready,*' that  the  whole  family  of  Adam  is  subjected  to 
partial  punishment  in,  the  present  life,  in  consequence  of 
the  universal  condemnation,  and  that  future  sufferings 
will  be  nothing  more  than  the  protracted  vengeance  of 
the  original  curse.  The  day  of  final  judgment  will  ra- 
ther witness  the  confirmation  of  the  first  sentence  of  con- 
demnation, than  present  a  new  one;  for  then  such  as  have 
been  unclean,  and  abominable,  and  accursed,  will  be  as- 
sured that  they  shall  remain  "filthy  still,"  and  "go  away 
into  everlasting  punishment."  If  it  remains  still  to  be 
decided  whether  men  shall  come  under  the  sentence  of 
condemnation,  why  do  they  suffer.^  why  do  they  die.^^  Can 
it  be  possible,  that  God  inflicts  the  penalty  of  his  law  upon 
mortals,  without  solemnly  deciding  that  they  are  guilty? 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  141 

Many  of  the  common  arguments  against  the  slumber 
of  the  soul  for  ages,  which  were  conclusive  in  the  mind 
of  the  speaker,  were  then  exhibited,  and  the  Englishman 
was  left  to  his  reflections,  but  not  without  the  expression 
of  a  prayer,  that  God  would  make  him  wise  and  happy. 

That  a  young  man,  who  possesses  a  good  mind,  pleas- 
ing manners,  and  many  personal  accomplishments,  should 
marry  to  defraud  a  young  lady  of  her  money,  squander  it 
upon  his  lusts,  seduce  the  unsuspecting,  engage  himself 
to  be  married  again,  "pawn  his  sacred  honour,"  violate 
it  the  next  moment,  and  traduce  his  lawful  wife,  by  say- 
ing that  he  had,  during  courtship,  kept  her  as  his  mis- 
tress, exhibits  in  strong  colours  the  odious  depravity  of 
unsanctified  human  nature. 

I  next  visited  the  room  in  which  I  was  accustomed  to 
see  the  old  sailor,  James  Roe.  The  last  time  I  had  an 
interview  with  him,  was  on  the  day  before  I  left  the  city 
for  the  country. 

I  met  him  in  a  solitary  part  of  the  hospital.  He  arose, 
bowed,  and  said,  "Sir, I  am  glad  to  see  you:  I  wish  to 
speak  to  you:  I  want  to  know  what  sins  a  believer  may  be 
left  to  commit." 

It  was  not  in  the  power  of  any  man  to  tell  him  what  sin, 
except  blasphemy  against  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  renewed 
man  might  not,  when  tempted,  and  in  a  measure  deserted, 
perpetrate.  With  much  solemnity  he  wished  to  know 
what  was  the  sin  of  blasphemy  against  the  Holy  Ghost, 
for  he  confessed  himself  a  blasphemous  wretch.  There 
is  a  sin  unto  death,  which  we  are  not  to  pray  that  God 
would  pardon.  It  is  a  sin,  which  springs  from  conscious 
enmity  to  what  is  known  to  be  the  gracious  operation  of  the 
Holy  Spirit.    It  is  a  public^  wilful  sin  of  the  tongue,  against 


142  VISITS  OF   MERCY. 

the  Holy  Ghost;  in  which  a  person  desirous  of  destroying 
experimental  religion,  imputes,  contrary  to  the  dictates 
of  his  own  conscience,  the  divine  operations  in  the  per- 
formance of  miracles,  or  in  convincing,  converting,  and 
sanctifying  sinners,  to  the  devil,  or  some  devilish  priest- 
craft. 

This  sin  Roe  thought  that  he  had  not  committed,  but 
said,  with  tears  streaming  from  his  eyes,  "I  sin  so  enor- 
mously and  so  repeatedly,  that  I  fear  there  is  no  mercy 
for  me.  When  I  hear  you  preach  I  believe  what  you  say, 
and  last  Sunday  I  wanted  to  hide  myself,  and  cry  my  Jill} 
but  yesterday  I  fell  into  my  old  sins  again.  You  do  not 
know  what  a  sinner  I  am." 

*'  But  Jesus  Christ  came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners 
from  themselves  and  from  Hell,  and  the  greatness  of  your 
sin  cannot  exclude  you  from  heaven,  if  you  truly  believe 
and  repent.'* 

"  Sifj  IconfesSf^^  said  Roe,  falling  on  his  knees, — '*  con- 
fess not  to  me,  for  I  am  a  sinner!" — "  Sir,  J  confess  to  God, 
that  I  am  the  vilest,  hell-deserving  sinner,  and  I  pray  God  to 
take  away  my  sins,^^ 

His  attitude,  his  tears,  his  unaffected  agony  of  soul, 
accompanied  with  the  conviction,  that  in  spite  of  the  ter- 
rors of  the  Lord  he  would  yield  to  the  dominion  of  ardent 
spirits,  made  me  tremblingly  ask  myself,  "Lord,  what  is 
man.^"  Were  it  not  for  the  habit  of  intemperance,  might 
not  this  sinner  enter  the  kingdom  of  heaven. ^ 

James  Roe  was  now  gone,  not  to  the  grave,  as  most 
seamen  do,  before  they  have  floated  half  the  number  of 
his  days,  but  to  the  cityj  and  I  fear  will  soon  arrive  at  one 
world  of  spirits,  which  will  prove  an  awful  prelude  to 
the  other.     In  his  place,  I  found  a  respectable,  white- 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  143 

headed  man,  Mr.  T.  S.  C — ,  who  entertained  me  with  a 
long  religious  conversation,  which  was  like  a  sermon  to 
the  patients  of  the  room,  from  one  of  their  companions. 
The  substance  of  his  conversation,  and  of  his  language, 
was  this. 

'*  I  am  an  old  man:  I  have  travelled  muchj  and  par- 
ticularly in  the  southern  part  of  our  country.  There 
people  call  me  a  fatalist,  because  I  maintain  that  God  con- 
vinces of  sin,  God  works  faith,  God  pardons,  God  justi- 
fies, and  God  saves  the  sinner  from  divine  self-moving 
goodness.  When  I  was  in  Washington  a  methodist  came 
many  miles  to  hold  a  disputation  with  me,  and  prove  that 
I  was  a  fatalist;  but  finally,  he  confessed  that  God  awakens, 
alarms,  convinces,  and  converts  the  sinner,  so  that  I  had 
only  to  thank  him  for  coming  to  me  with  the  confession 
of  the  truth.  One  thing  I  shall  maintain  with  my  latest 
breath,  that  no  sinner  would  ever  be  saved,  were  it  not 
for  the  compelling  grace  of  God;  for  after  the  sinner  is 
converted,  he  keeps  drawing  back  to  sin.  My  only  con- 
solation is,  that  if  God  intends  to  save  me,  he  will  not  suf- 
fer me  to  sin,  so  as  finally  to  fall  away.  The  reason 
why  people  call  me  fatalist,  is,  because  they  are  Armi- 
nians. " 

With  much  similar  doctrine  and  language,  the  old  man 
spake  for  nearly  half  an  hour,  and  then  fell  back  exhausted 
on  his  pillow.  Half  the  doctors  do  not  teach  so  well  as 
this  man. 

Among  the  events  which  deserve  a  place  in  the  short, 
but  faithful  annals  of  the  poor,  is  the  foundation  of  the 
new  alms-house.  The  corner-stone  was  laid  on  this  1st 
day  of  August,  A.  D.  1811. 

The  new  building  will  be  erected  a  few  miles  from  the 


144  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

city,  in  an  airy  situation,  near  the  east  river.  It  is  to  be 
much  larger  than  the  present,  and  divided  in  such  a  man- 
ner as  to  prevent  all  improper  intercourse  between  the 
paupers.  It  will  also  contain  a  chapel  for  public  worship, 
in  which  I  hope  some  one,  or  many,  will  preach  the  gos- 
pel of  salvation  to  the  poor. 

The  honourable  corporation  of  this  city  have  deserved 
the  applause  of  their  fellow-citizens  for  laying  the  corner- 
stone of  an  edifice,  which  will,  in  the  opinion  of  every 
benevolent  man,  be  a  more  distinguished  ornament  of 
this  metropolis  than  the  beautiful  marble  hall  of  justice. 
The  latter  is  one  of  the  finest  structures  in  our  countryj 
but  the  plain  walls  of  the  former  will  have  more  glory. 

In  this  place,  the  reader  may  not  be  displeased  with  an 
extract  from  an  anonymous  letter,  addressed  to  the  stated 
preacher;  which  appears  to  be  in  the  autograph  of  some 
venerable  clergyman. 

*'  What  is  our  world  but  an  alms-house  and  a  hospital! 
Are  not  all  upon  alms  ?  Who  made  the  world  for  us  ? 
Who  hath  spread  out  the  heavens  for  entertainment,  for 
our  dignity,  and  for  our  glory  ^  Who  from  the  heavens 
poureth  down  daily  bounties  on  every  living  thing  ?  Who 
hath  stretched  abroad  the  sea,  filling  it  with  its  treasures, 
conveying  on  its  surface  the  fulness  of  every  clime  ? 
Who  hath  ordained  the  vegetable,  the  animal,  and  the 
mineral  kingdoms,  that  they  should  contribute  of  their 
bounties  to  the  use  and  ornament  of  man  ?  Who  hath 
ordained  to  us  life,  and  health,  and  friendships,  and  em- 
ployments, and  profits,  and  riches  ?  Are  not  all  these, 
in  measure  and  sort,  best  suited  to  our  condition,  poured 
out  from  the  store-house  of  God's  infinite  fulness?  Do 
they  not  fall  as  alms  upon  impotent,  impoverished,  and 


VISITS   OF  MERCY.  145 

needy  mortals  here  below  ?  Surely  we  are  all  receivers 
of  alms.  God  is  the  Grand  Almoner  of  the  universe.  An- 
gels and  men,  heaven  and  earth,  must  subscribe  to  this 
doctrine. 

*'  Pensioners  we  all  are.     Life  we  did  not  procure,  and 
life  we  cannot  keep.  Health  may  be  enjoyed,  but  who  can 
endorse  upon  it?     Riches  may  be  in  hand,  but  who  can 
command  that  they  should  never  flee  away?  Friends  may 
surround  us,  but  who  can  blunt  the  edge  of  death,  that  it 
shall  never  mow  them  down?      Mental   strength,  vivid 
imagination,  and  powers  of  utterance,  like  dew-drops, 
may  sparkle  about  our  head,  but  shall  not  the  scorching 
sun  and  blowing  wind  soon  dry  and  shake  our  leaves? 
Alas!  alas!  how  soon  is  gone,  what  man  may  most  call 
his  own!     From  stations  of  honour,  from  the  sanctuaries 
of  learning  and  religion,  how  soon  fade  the  gifts,  which 
form  the  wreath  of  human   glory!     Certainly  the  most 
celebrated  persons  were  the  recipients  of  alms.     They 
deserved  them  not,  they  procured  them  not,  they  retained 
them  not.     Can  less  be  said  of  your  congregation  at  the 
alms-house?     They  are  only  stripped  of  what  once  they 
were,  from  the  free  bounty  of  heaven.     They  have  lived 
upon  the  alms-house  from  their  birth;  and  so  have  we, 
and  so  has  every  man.     If  you  are  ashamed  to  preach  at 
the  alms-house  of  one  city,  look  up,  and  be  astonished 
that  the  Deity  should  condescend  to  minister  of  his  alms 
to  such  a  thousand  cities,  in  such  a  thousand  ways!    What 
a  glorious  and  full  handed  Almoner  must  the  Almighty 
be!  He  deals  out  worlds,  and  their  inhabitants;  kingdoms 
and  their  hosts;  men  with  their  families;  and  appoints  to 
them  their  supplies.     Glorious  God !  we  bow  at  thy  ful- 

VOL  I.  N 


146  VISITS   OF  MERCY. 

ness,  astonished  at  thy  goodness,  and  are  humbled  at  the 
sight  of  our  emptiness! 

"  Your  alms-house,  then,  is  an  epitome  of  the  universe! 
All  dependent,  all  needy,  all  provided  for!  What  then  is 
the  hospital?  It  is  a  commentary  on  the  alms-house.  It 
teaches,  that  well  as  we  may  be  provided  for  in  meats  and 
drinks,  the  hospital  must  receive  us  at  last.  As  fully  as 
your  city  is  supplied,  it  must  have  its  hospital.  As  healthy 
as  the  inhabitants  may  appear,  there  must  be  a  sick  room: 
and  long  as  some  may  promise  to  live,  they  must  die:  so 
that  all  who  have  drawn  their  supplies  from  the  great 
store-house  of  God's  bounty  through  life,  must  come  to 
the  hospital  of  infirmity  and  of  death,  at  last."* 

The  founders  and  supporters  of  the  new  alms-house, 
therefore,  are  permitted  to  become  workers  with  God,  in 
relieving  misery,  feeding  the  poor,  healing  the  sick,  and 
promoting  the  happiness  of  needy  mortals. 


August  '2nd, 

This  afternoon  was  devoted  to  the  visiting  of  six  wards 
in  the  alms-house. 

The  guardian  of  the  sick  soldier  has  revived  a  little, 
and  has  left  the  institution.  From  the  room  in  which  she 
lay,  several  have  lately  been  carried  to  the  grave.  In  an- 
other ward  I  found  Amy  W — n  still  alive,  but  more  ema- 
ciated than  when  I  saw  her  last,  and  in  the  same  gloomy 
stupor.  In  another  ward,  I  found,  besides  one  or  two  from 
the  hospital,  one  whom  I  do  not  disdain  to  call  friend  j  for 

•The  author  believes  that  the  foregoing  extracts  were  written  by 
the  Rev.  David  Abstix. 


VISITS   OF  MERCY.  147 

she  appears  to  be  a  friend  to  Jesus.  It  was  M —  B — ,  who 
has  gained  considerable  flesh,  and  who  has  now  some 
hope  of  restoration  to  health;  but  who  gives  as  much  evi- 
dence of  penitence,  as  she  did  when  in  despair  of  life.  In 
another  ward,  as  my  shade  darkened  the  door  of  the  room, 
the  aged  woman,  introduced  to  notice  in  my  record  of 
Jan.  1st,  exclaimed,  '*  there  comes  my  Christian  friend 
again.  O  sir,  stop,  I  want  to  hear  you  talk;  I  want  to 
talk  to  you.'* 

Among  other  things,  she  said,  with  emphasis,  ''I 
know  that  Jesus  died  for  me,  poor  wicked  me,  and  how 
can  I  help  loving  him?" 

I  demanded  if  she  was  not  afraid  to  say,  that  he  had 
died  for  her  particularly  and  personally;  and  asked  how 
she  knew  it. 

''  By  the  spirit  he  has  given  me,"  was  her  reply;  **for 
if  God  had'n't  given  his  Son  to  die  for  me,  he  would'n't 
have  given  me  such  faith,  and  hope,  and  love.  O  Jesus  is 
precious,  sir,  to  me,  for  he  is  my  Saviour;  he  is  all  my  hope; 
and  I  wait  to  go  to  him  when  he  calls.  I  believe  every 
word  he  says,  and  that  makes  me  alive.  I  live  on  him  by 
day  and  night,  and  that  makes  me  forget  my  old  age,  my 
poverty,  and  bodily  pain." 

Had  I  talked  to  this  woman  about  Christ's  dying  for 
sin  in  general,  and  not  particularly  to  redeem  the  per- 
sons of  believers,  I  think  she  would  not  have  understood 
me. 

In  the  blind  ward  I  found  Wm.  M*D — ,  an  old  man, 
blind  ever  since  his  remembrance,  turning  out  button- 
moulds.  Commonly  he  is  found  at  this  business;  for  he 
is  allowed  the  profits  of  his  labour.  He  purchases  huck- 
bones  of  the  cooks,  splits  them  with  a  hatchet,  and  pre- 


148  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

pares  them,  by  boiling,  to  come  under  the  operation  of 
his  turning  machine.  He  can  make  two  gross  in  a  dayj 
and  they  are  far  superior  to  any  of  the  imported  button- 
moulds.  Here  I  saw  also  a  widow,  who  has  been  blind 
four  years,  helping  herself  to  a  few  cents,  daily,  by  cut- 
ting walnut  skewers  for  the  butchers  to  give  a  bloated 
consistency  to  their  meat.  She  was  contented  with  her 
employment,  and  said  that  her  first  wish  was  to  know  and 
please  God.  Such  advice  and  consolation  as  I  was  able 
to  give,  was  bestowed  upon  all.  God  bless  the  poor!  May 
they  be  rich  in  faith,  and  heirs  of  the  kingdom  of  Godl 


August  Ath, 

The  room  was  more  than  full  this  morning  at  the  alms- 
house; and  one  person  who  was  never  present  before,  was 
arrested  by  the  truth;  so  that  before  the  close  of  service 
he  wept  like  a  child.  Besides  him,  a  middle-aged  wo- 
man, who  has  for  months  been  attentive  to  the  word,  was 
overcome,  I  hope,  by  the  grace  of  God.  She  could  not 
restrain  her  feelings;  and  requested,  after  service,  that 
she  might  soon  have  opportunity  to  converse  with  me. 
E —  C — -,  a  tall,  neat,  aged,  pious  woman,  evinced  how 
much  she  loved  the  truth,  by  arising  from  the  bed,  to 
which  she  was  confined  yesterday,  creeping  up  stairs,  and 
paying  eager  attention  to  all  the  parts  of  public  worship. 
She  gave  me  her  hand,  burning  with  the  hectic  fever,  and 
death  looked  from  her  eyes  upon  me;  but  the  Spirit  of 
God  dwells  in  her  soul. 

I  visited  some  aged  women  in  another  room,  who  al- 
most chided  me  for  not  preaching  in  their  presence  more 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  149 

frequently.  They  cannot  follow  me  from  room  to  room, 
by  reason  of  many  infirmities.  One  was  reading  the  Bible 
when  I  entered,  and  I  said,  "  you  must  comfort  yourself 
with  that  book,  when  you  cannot  hear  the  ministers  of  re- 
conciliation." 

'*It  is  my  comfort,"  she  said;  *' and  I  am  impatient 
that  you  do  not  come,  for  you  help  me  to  understand  it.' 

In  the  afternoon  I  exchanged  with  Dr.  Romeyn,  who 
went  to  the  hospital,  preached  to  my  audience,  and  as- 
sures me,  that  he  was  never  more  deeply  affected  in  any 
place  of  public  worship,  than  at  the  attention  of  the  af- 
flicted patients. 


August  Sth. 

In  his  excursions  through  eight  wards  of  the  hospital, 

the  writer  found  one  T s  J s,  a  miner,  who  was 

born  in  America,  but  in  youth  went  to  England,  resided 
there  several  years,  and  spent  much  of  his  time  in  subter- 
ranean regions.  He  has  not  long  resided  in  his  native 
country.  During  the  whole  of  this  summer  season,  sick- 
ness has  prevented  him  from  labouring  more  than  two 
or  three  days. 

For  the  space  of  several  weeks  before  he  came  into  this 
institution  he  was  insane:  but  when  reason  returned,  he 
proposed  to  take  up  his  residence  in  this  temple  of  chari- 
ty, that  his  wife  might  have  opportunity  to  maintain  their 
children. 

Kow  he  is  afflicted  with  the  dysentery;  but  is  patient  in 
tribulation.  When  he  first  went  to  England,  about  twenty- 
three  years  ago,  he  thinks  that  he  was  converted  under 
the  preaching  of  Mr.  John  Wesley.     For  a  few  years  he 

N  2 


150  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

supposes  that  he  grew  in  knowledge  and  grace;  but  since 
that  time  he  feels  that  he  has,  the  greater  part  of  the  time, 
been  growing  worse.  "  When  I  look  upon  myself,"  said 
he,  *'  every  one  else  is  whole.  I  know  that  I  am  the  chief 
of  sinners;  but  still  I  hope,  because  God  has  spoken 
peace,  through  Jesus  Christ."  He  declared  that  the  situa- 
tion of  his  wife  and  children  was  the  only  thing  which 
made  him  desire  life. 

**  There  is,  sir,"  he  affirmed,  "  such  a  thing  as  a  will- 
ingness to  die."  Although  most  men  will  not  believe  it, 
yet  there  is  in  some  believers  even  a  desire  to  depart. 

The  writer  visited  the  young  Englishman  again,  and 
found  him  with  a  hymn-book  by  his  side.  He  was  fond 
of  conversing,  and  thought  that  ''  affliction  must  natural- 
ly and  necessarily,  without  any  supernatural  influence, 
make  men  better."  This  is  the  judgment  of  all  who  know 
but  little  of  the  sad  depravity  of  the  human  heart.  Ex- 
perience has  long  since  decided,  that  if  sickness  and  tri- 
bulations are  not  sanctified  by  some  extraneous  agency, 
they  are  of  no  personal  advantage. 

With  Mr.  T.  S.  C ,  the  aged  traveller,  considera- 
ble time  was  spent;  and  our  conversation  gained  the  at- 
tention of  all  the  patients  in  the  room.  His  principal 
fault,  virhich  is  discoverable,  is  a  polemic  spirit,  which 
savours  a  little  too  much  of  bitterness.  Still  he  thinks 
many  erroneous  persons  sincere  Christians.  In  doctrine 
he  thinks  all  the  churches  are  Arminian  in  the  United 
States,  except  the  different  denominations  of  Presbyte- 
rians and  Baptists.  To  a  long  hymn  of  thirteen  stanzas, 
which  he  composed  in  the  hospital,  and  which  contain 
much  sound  doctrine,  but  no  poetry,  he  has  subjoined  the 
following 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  151 


*' These  lines  go  to  show  the  impropriety  of  depending 
too  much  on  men's  works,  instead  of  grace,  for  salvation; 
and  also  of  saying  that  a  covenant  of  God  can  be  finally 
lost,  as  it  would  argue  imperfection  in  God,  and  give  the 
preference  to  the  devil.  The  Arminians  work  by  faith 
without  grace,  and  the  Predestinarians  through  faith  by 
grace.  The  Arminians  say,  after  God  converts  and  de- 
clares the  soul  an  heir  of  heaven,  that  the  devil  can  revoke 
the.decree,  and  damn  the  creature  at  last;  but  the  Predes- 
tinarians urge,  that  when  God  does  the  work,  it  is  eter- 
nally done,  independent  of  hell  itself," 


August  \Oth. 

"  Yet  shalt  thou  know,  nor  is  the  difference  nice. 
The  casual  fall,  from  impudence  of  vice. 
Abandon'd  guilt  by  active  laws  restrain, 
But  pause if  virtue's  slightest  spark  remain." 

LAiXGHORJfB. 

Six  wards  in  the  hospital  I  have  visited  to-day,  and 
prayed  with  many  in  the  closing  scenes  of  life.  No  ob- 
ject interested  my  feelings  more  than  the  young  person, 
who,  on  the  first  day  of  the  present  month,  was  found 
reading  the  Bible.  She  has  a  fair  complexion,  a  soft  eye, 
a  fine  form,  agreeable  features,  and  hands  more  delicate 
than  they  should  be,  unless  she  has  lived  in  a  family  of 
distinction,  and  is  a  child  of  affluence. 

She  says  that  she  has  lived  only  eighteen  years,  and 
her  many  tears  made  me  solicitous  to  become  acquainted 
with  her  whole  history.     Something  has  been  collected 


152  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

from  her,  by  some  of  the  persons  in  the  hospital,  at  dif- 
ferent times,  which  may  be  partially  true,  wholly  true,  or 
entirely  false.  So  many  romantic  tales  are  told  by  the 
patients  of  this  sort,  that  few  of  them  can  be  trusted. 

According  to  her  account,  she  was  born  in  Guildhall, 
in  the  state  of  Vermont.  She  has  a  father  and  mother 
living,  who  have  been  divorced.  All  the  children  conti- 
nued with  their  mother.  One  of  her  brothers  and  a  sis- 
ter are  married^  but  she  and  her  youngest  brother  remain 
single.  Caroline,  (for  that  is  the  name  of  the  person  in 
the  hospital,)  was  sent  to  a  boarding  school,  at  the  dis- 
tance of  a  few  miles  from  her  mother's  residence,  where 
she  became  acquainted  with  a  fascinating  young  man. 
For  three  months,  this  young  stranger,  who  had  busi- 
ness in  the  vicinity,  paid  her  flattering  attentions.  At 
the  expiration  of  that  period,  with  the  consent  of  her 
mother,  who  had  approved  of  his  suit,  they  commenced 
a  journey,  with  the  professed  intention  of  seeing  his  rela- 
tives in  P ,  and  of  being  there  united  in  marriage. 

Instead  of  taking  her  to  P ,  they  came,  without  her 

knowledge,  to  Pearl  street  in  this  city,  where  they  boarded 
with  a  widow  and  her  daughter,  in  genteel  lodgings,  for 
ten  days.  The  seducer  continued  to  renew  his  promise  of 
taking  her  to  his  friends,  and  of  becoming  her  husband. 
She  loved  him  ardently,  and  therefore  he  succeeded  in 
quieting  her  apprehensions.  He  enticed  her  delicately, 
and  therefore  successfully.  The  spoiler  came,  found  the 
sweet  flower  of  the  mountains,  plucked  it  in  wantonness, 
rifled  it  of  its  fragrance,  and  cast  it  away  to  perish  with 
noxious  weeds.  She  believed  him  true,  but  found  him 
false.  So  long  had  she  resisted  his  solicitations,  that  he 
consorted  with  others,  and  when  he  vanquished,  he  con- 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  153 

taminated  his  prey.  She  was  far  from  friends,  without 
money,  in  a  strange  city,  under  the  protection  of  one 
whom  she  criminally  loved,  and  exposed  at  the  same 
time  to  the  fear  of  his  declining  the  desired  union,  and  to 
the  horrors  of  an  accusing  conscience.  In  sickness  she  was 
deserted,  and,  when  scarcely  able  to  move,  sought  a  re- 
treat in  the  hospital. 

She  wept  abundantly,  to-day,  and  assured  me  of  her 
serious  intention  of  returning  to  her  mother,  and  of  de- 
parting from  iniquity.  Vigorous  exertions  to  snatch  her 
from  perdition,  shall  be  made,  if  I  livej  and  the  result 
must  be  left  to  God.  Success  would  be  grateful^  but  to 
fail  in  the  attempt  will  be  honourable.  May  the  Lord 
give  her  repentance. 

While  I  was  preaching  in  the  alms-house  this  evening, 
four  dying  persons  surrounded  me,  whose  bodies  were  in 
such  a  putrescent  state,  that  although  the  nurse  burned, 
occasionally,  some  linen,  and  fumigated  the  room  with 
acetous  evaporation,  yet  I  loathed  my  necessary  breath. 
In  another  room  I  visited  a  dying  woman,  who  was  per- 
fectly rational,  but  speechless.  After  a  short  discourse 
was  directed  to  her,  she  put  out  her  hand  towards  me, 
and  then  lifted  it  to  heaven.  I  did  not  understand  her 
request.  She  looked  upon  me,  in  the  language  of  earnest 
supplication,  beckoned  to  me  to  bow  my  head,  and  whis- 
pered, "  pray,  pray  for  me."  Her  request  being  complied 
with,  she  took  my  hand  again,  gave  it  a  gentle  pressure, 
turned  to  heaven  the  aspect  of  gratitude,  and  closed  her 
eyes  on  all  messengers  of  the  gospel  for  ever,  and  ever. 

August  \5ih. 
Two  Irishmen  are  now  in  the  hospital,  who  excite  the 


154  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

mingled  emotion  of  pleasure  and  commiseration.  One 
has  lately  arrived  in  this  city,  and  would  have  gone  imme- 
diately to  his  relatives,  who  preceded  him  to  the  western 
part  of  Pennsylvania,  and  now  expect  him  to  follow,  but 
was  arrested  by  the  dysentery,  which  has  left  him  in  a 
very  low  condition.  Beside  his  bed  I  took  my  seat,  and 
he  turned  his  blue  eyes  on  me  like  a  brother.  A  smile 
of  complacency  was  lighted  up  in  his  countenance,  when 
I  began  to  speak  of  Jesus  Christ. 

^'•Should  it  please  God,'*  he  said,  '^  to  take  me  up  once 
more,  I  should  be  grateful," 

''  But  if  he  allows  you  to  wither  here,  what  then?  Does 
he  any  injustice?" 

*' A'b,  I  could  not  complain^  for  he  deals  kindly  with  me," 
This  appeared  to  be  the  undisguised  sentiment  of  his 
soul.  He  firmly,  and  I  think  with  personal  application, 
with  appropriating  faith,  asserts  the  authenticity  of  the 
scriptures,  and  the  divinity  of  Christ.  Death  he  appre- 
hends must  be  the  result  of  his  present  sickness;  but  still 
assures  me,  that  his  inability  to  read  the  Bible,  from  opti- 
cal weakness,  is  his  greatest  present  trial. 

This  young  man  is  fairer  and  more  gentle  than  any  of 
his  countrymen,  whom  I  have  seen.  If  the  sons  of  Hi- 
bernia  were  generally  to  resemble  him,  and  I  were  a  na- 
tive of  that  country,  in  the  possession  of  civil  and  religious 
liberty,  I  would  tune  my  lyre  with  every  setting  sun,  and 
strike  the  bold  numbers  of  "Ireland  for  ever." 

The  other  was  cast  in  a  rougher  mould,  and  made  of 
honest,  but  ''  sterner  stuff."  Until  lately,  he  has  been 
on  board  of  an  English  ship  of  war,  of  one  hundred  and 
ten  guns.  In  childhood  he  was  taught  to  read  the  word 
of  God,  and  instructed  in  the  principles  of  the  protestant 


VISITS  OP  MEROT.  155 

religion.  When  he  left  home,  the  sailor's  wardrobe,  a 
silken  handkerchief,  contained  the  best  of  books,  which 
proved  a  sort  of  silent  companion  in  most  of  his  voyages. 
For  years  he  kept  it  as  one  would  medicine,  to  be 
used  in  sickness,  when  he  could  not  possibly  avoid  it. 
The  sight  of  it  was  a  reproof  to  himj  he  sometimes  read 
it  by  way  of  compensation  for  past  neglect^  and  eventual- 
ly it  proved  powerful.  For  a  few  of  the  last  years  of  his 
life  it  has  been  the  instrument  of  his  consolation.  It  has 
taught  him  that  he  is  a  sinner;  that  God  has  provided 
salvation  for  rebels,  and  that  there  is  neither  peace  nor 
safety  but  under  the  divine  protection. 

"  The  goodness  of  God  in  preserving  me,"  said  this 
man,  *'  is  wonderful.  I  have  often  stood  where  one  man 
has  been  cut  down  on  my  right  hand,  and  another  on  my 
left.  I  thought,  says  I,  if  God  pleases  to  preserve  me 
here,  he  can  do  itj  and  he  has  done  it:  for  why  am  I 
alive?  Once,  sir,  it  was  hot  work!  in  an  action,  thirteen 
men  of  us  were  at  a  gun,  and  in  the  hottest  of  the  busi- 
ness, I  thought  he  could  preserve  me  therej  and  so  he 
did,  for  every  rnan  of  us  thirteen  was  killed,  but  one  man 
and  myself." 

Some  antipathy  this  sailor  has,  but  such  as  is  very  rea- 
sonable, against  those  persons  who,  for  office,  make  a 
profession  of  religion,  and  partake  of  the  Lord's  supper. 
He  could  not  respect  a  petty  officer  of  the  marines,  who 
had  a  dispute  with  a  private  man,  on  the  subject  of  their 
respective  claims  to  the  christian  character.  The  little 
man,  with  a  carving  knife  dangling  at  his  hip,  terminated 
the  debate  by  saying,  with  an  oath,  *'  well,  well,  I  am  the 
best  christian,  for  I've  come  up  to  the  holy  table,  and 
you  have  not."     The  vanquished  tar,  indeed,  had  taken 


156  VISITS  OF  MKRCY. 

many  oaths,  but  never  the  oath  of  a  baptized  midshipman, 
whose  profane  lips  are  imbued  with  sacramental  wine. 
The  chaplain  of  the  ship  was  equally  contemptible,  in 
the  opinion  of  the  Irishman,  because,  to  use  his  own 
words,  "he  did  not  preach  about  spiritual  things,  and 
after  sermon,  would  spend  the  sabbath  in  playing  cards, 
in  fishing,  or,  if  near  the  shore,  in  hunting,  with  the 
other  officers.  Once,  sir,  for  a  sermon,  he  took  out  a 
piece  of  paper,  and  went  to  reading,  that  we  ought  to  be 
thankful  we  had  such  good  officers,  such  a  good  king,  and 
such  a  good  service^  and  that  the  yoke  put  onus,  was  not 
like  the  yoke  Buonaparte  has  put  on  the  neck  of  Holland. 
Upon  this,  all  the  sailors  arose  and  capsized  their  seats, 
saying,  "if  he  had  nothing  to  preach  to  them  about  what 
they  needed  to  know,  they  should  not  hear  him." 

"  Were  you  not  punished,"  I  asked, "  for  this  contemptu- 
ous treatment?" 

"  No,  sirj  for  the  officers  knew  that  the  chaplain  was  a 
worthless  fellow;  and  six  hundred  men  were  quite  too 
many  for  them  to  punish  at  once." 

This  man  is  of  middle-age,  and  will  probably  fight  his 
last  battle,  with  death,  in  the  hospital.  He  meets  not 
the  king  of  terrors  in  streams  of  fire,  in  sounds  of  thun- 
der, and  storms  of  chain-shot;  but  in  the  form  of  noxious 
vapour,  which,  unseen,  pervades  the  vitals,  and  mingles 
deadly  miasma  with  the  purple  streams  of  life.  One 
might  as  well  plunge  a  dagger  into  the  bosom  of  a  ghost, 
as  contend  with  this  en^my. 

His  greatest  present  sorrow  arises,  if  I  may  believe  him, 
■from  the  remembrance  of  the  profaneness  of  his  youth, 
and  the  sins  of  his  riper  years. 

The  sorrows  of  a  mother,  on   her  death-bed,  claim 


VISITS   OF  MERCY.  157 

peculiar  respect.  Mrs.Margaret  Scott  said,"  dear  minister, 
what  will  become  of  my  fatherless  children,  when  they  are 
orphans?"  This  woman  is  a  member  of  Trinity  Church,  has 
had  all  her  children  baptized  there,  and  with  many  tears 
expresses  her  maternal  apprehension,  that  should  she  die, 
they  would  nat  ''be  brought  up  to  church,  and  taught 
religion.*'  With  gratitude  she  acknowledges  the  kind 
attentions  of  Mrs.  J —  and  S —  R — ,  who  have  furnished 
her  with  work,  and  assisted  her  to  support  four  children, 
ever  since  she  has  been  deserted  by  an  intemperate 
husband. 

She  united  with  me  in  prayer,  in  a  tearful  and  very  de- 
vout manner;  yea,  when  I  left  the  room,  her  hands  and 
eyes  were  still  directed  to  heaven  in  humble  supplication. 


August  \7th. 
*'The  downcast  eye,  the  tear  that  flows  amain, 
As  if  to  ask  her  innocence  again  5 
The  cheek  that  wears  the  beauteous  robe  of  shame. 
How  loath  they  leave  a  gentle  breast  to  blame!" 

Langhorne. 

The  man  who  feels  no  compassion  for  a  deluded  female, 
who  can  blush,  and  weep  over  her  fall;  the  being  who 
does  not  hate  the  conduct  of  bewitching  man,  when  it  ter- 
minates in  the  ruin  of  domestic  peace,  and  the  loss  of  that 
which  makes  life  desirable  to  the  infatuated  individual, 
has  more  than  a  common  share  of  original  depravity.  By 
the  offence  of  our  progenitor,  all  men  are  deprived  of  the 
original  righteousness  which  he  possessed,  and  what  they 
inherit  is  corruption;  but  some  have  more  damning  ingre- 
dients put  into  their  composition  than  others.  Some  are 
born  tigers,  and  some  lions,  and  some  foxes,  and  some  like 

VOL.    I.  O 


158  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

the  timid  deer,  or  the  *' shorn  lamb,*'  to  which  God  tem- 
pers the  storm. 

The  amiable  sort  of  men  would  be  moved  at  the  sight 
of  seventeen  females,  withering  in  one  room,  in  the  morn- 
ing of  lifej  and  the  Christian  would  speak  to  them,  with 
something  of  that  meekness  and  tender  concern  which 
characterized  his  divine  Master. 

Caroline  was  one  of  the  number.  I  found  and  left  her 
in  tears.  Her  mother,  her  ''poor  mother,"  was  the 
theme  of  her  discourse,  and  the  remembrance  of  her,  the 
cause  of  tears.  For  some  months  the  mother  has  not  heard 
a  word  from  her  daughter,  and  is  at  this. moment  ignorant 
of  her  situation. 

I  proposed  to  write  to  her  mother.  She  declined,  and 
said  she  had  thought  of  writing  herself;  but  could  not  en- 
dure the  thought  of  letting  her  parent  know  her  circum- 
stances. 

*'You  have  another  parent,  whom  you  have  more 
deeply  offended." 

She  knew  it,  she  said,  but  confessed  that  she  was  more 
anxious  for  her  mother  than  herself.  "Were  it  not  for 
paining  my  mother,  and  exciting  her  fears,  I  would  write. 
It  is  my  most  earnest  desire  to  cast  myself  down  before 
her.  Were  it  possible,  I  would  go  on  foot  to  her  as  I  am, 
and  confess  all  my  sins." 

"In  that  manner  you  must  go  to  a  forgiving  God;  for 
he  alone  can  reform  your  heart  and  life.  Before  him  you 
must  appear  in  all  your  iniquities." 

Another  scene  I  have  witnessed  to-day,  which  is  worthy 
of  record  on  the  annals  of  the  poor.  Well  did  Agur  pray, 
"give  me  not  poverty,  lest  I  be  poor  and  steal,  and  take 
the  name  of  my  God  in  vain."     His  honour  the  mayor. 


VISITS   OF   MERCY.  159 

De  Witt  Clinton,  in  the  performance  of  his  official  duty, 
passed  sentence  on  about  thirty  culprits,  for  their  respec- 
tive offences  against  the  laws  of  the  country.  In  the  com- 
pany, vj'hich  stood  at  the  bar  of  judgment,  was  a  young 
man,  of  reputable  appearance,  on  whom  leaned  a  delicate 
young  female,  who  was  dressed  with  taste,  and  had  the 
demeanour  of  a  lady.  The  young  man  had  lately  come 
from  Europe  to  Massachusetts,  and,  by  his  gentlemanly 
address,  personal  attractions,  professions  of  love,  or  some- 
thing else,  which  captivated  the  affections,  gained  the 
hand  of  the  young  lady,  contrary  to  her  father's  consent. 
To  escape  the  indignation  of  an  injured  parent,  the  Euro- 
pean fled  with  his  prize  to  New-Yorkj  and  here,  being  in 
want  of  money,  thought  to  gain  a  supply  by  stealing  a 
pocket-book.  He  was  detected,  convicted,  and  plead 
necessity  in  extenuation  of  his  crime.  On  this  miserable 
pick-pocket  hangs  the  happiness  of  a  youthful  wife,  who 
married  without  fully  knowing  the  character  of  her  part- 
ner. In  her  behalf  the  attorney  for  the  criminal  prayed 
for  the  mercy  of  the  court.  Every  eye  was  moved  at  her 
appearance,  every  heart  at  her  situation.  His  honour 
warned  her  of  the  danger  of  continuing  to  live  with  such 
a  man  as  her  husband,  in  a  state  of  vagrancy,  exhorted 
her  to  return  to  her  father,  and  remain  with  her  friends 
until  her  lover  should  give  evidence  of  an  honest,  indus- 
trious disposition,  and  at  the  same  time  proffered  all 
necessary  assistance  for  her  journey.  Should  this  man, 
said  the  judge,  retrieve  his  character,  he  might  then  visit, 
and  claim  his  wedded  companion.  In  consequence  of  her 
youth  and  unprotected  condition,  the  criminal  was  sen- 
tenced to  imprisonment  in  Bridewell  for  no  more  than 
thirty  days.     The  firmness  and  justice  of  his  honour,  for 


160  VISITS   OF  MERCY. 

which  he  is  deservedly  celebrated  on  the  bench,  were  tem- 
pered with  mercy;  with  such  mercy  as  it  is  consistent 
with  civil  law  to  grant. 


August  \9th. 

Yesterday,  which  was  the  sabbath,  I  performed  my 
stated  services,  and  to-day  have  visited  eight  wards  in  the 
hospital.  In  one  I  found  a  Spaniard,  who  a  few  hours 
before  had  fallen  from  mast-head  upon  the  hatches,  and 
mangled  his  crown  in  a  shocking  manner.  He  died  while 
I  was  there;  and  such  was  the  vehement  circulation  in  his 
system,  that  his  pulse  continued  to  beat  for  nearly  half  an 
hour  after  all  apparent  respiration  had  ceased. 

In  full  view  af  this  dying  man,  I  conversed  with  James 
Roe,  the  old  sailor,  who  has  found  his  way  back  to  this 
institution  already,  by  another  season  of  drunkenness.  He 
professed  great  gratitude  to  God,  that  in  a  long  seafaring 
life,  he  had  not  been  arrested  in  a  similar  manner.  Never 
did  I  hear  one  insist  upon  it,  \yith  so  little  affectation  of 
humiliation,  that  he  was  the  chief  of  sinners.  Roe  lives 
under  the  terrors  of  the  law,  reads  his  Bible  in  an  agony, 
and  gets  drunk  the  first  opportunity  which  presents  itself. 
''Sir,  when  I  am  here,"  said  he,  "and  you  preach,  or  I 
read  the  Bible,  I  believe  every  word,  and  determine  well; 
but  when  I  go  out  into  company,  if  I  will  not  swear  and 
drink  as  my  messmates  do,  I  am  nobody.  It*s  a  hard 
thing  for  an  old  sailor  to  get  to  heaven." 

''  You  must  be  contented  to  be  nothing  for  Christ's 
sake." 

"Oh !  I  pray  God  that  he  would  break  my  hard  heart; 
and  keep  me  from  my  sin;  and  I  have  long  prayed,  but  it 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  161 

will  not  break:  'tis  hard  as  rock.  I  don't  know  that  I  ever 
prayed  aright."  This  man  presents  an  awful  instance  of 
mental  agony,  and  the  power  of  vicious  habits.  "Can 
the  Ethiopian  change  his  skin,  or  the  leopard  his  spots? 
then  may  ye  also  do  good  that  are  accustomed  to  do 
evil."* 

*  Not  long  after  the  above  date,  James  Roe  begged  me  to  give  him 
a  Hymn-Book.  He  committed  many  of  them  to  memory,  and  conti- 
nued in  the  same  frame  of  mind  until  he  left  the  New  York  Hospital. 
Some  time  after,  a  respectable  captain  of  a  ship  informed  me  that  he 
had  seen  Koe,  and  that  the  old  sailor  always  kept  the  Bible  and  my 
Hymn-Book  with  him;  would  read  them  when  sober;  and  when 
drunken,  *  would  not  part  with  them  for  love  nor  money.*  When  any 
one  attempted  to  purchase  them,  if  he  was  in  his  cups,  it  would  en- 
rage him;  and,  after  imprecating  misery,  he  would  read,  and  cry,  and 
pray  again. 

After  my  removal  from  New  York  to  Philadelphia,  1  learned  that  on 
the  7th  day  of  December,  1811,  the  same  James  Roe  was  admitted 
into  the  Pennsylvania  Hospital;  and  continued  in  that'well  regulated 
and  admirable  institution  until  August  3,  1816.  "  After  being  out  a 
little  more  than  three  months,"  says  a  note  from  my  friend,  Mr.  Ma- 
son, then  superintendent  of  the  institution,  "  during  which  time  he 
had  various  frolics  of  intemperance  and  intoxication,  he  was  again 
admitted  the  14th  of  11th  month,  1816.  He  appeared  to  have  a  great 
desire  to  overcome  his  evil  propensities;  but  it  seemed,  that  when  he 
would  wish  to  do  good,  evil  was  present  with  him.  After  his  return 
to  the  hospital,  he  was,  daily,  I  believe,  in  the  practice  of  prayer,  of 
reading  the  Scriptures,  or  some  other  good  book,  and  of  attending 
meetings  when  held  in  the  institution.  On  account  of  his  orderly  con- 
duct, the  managers  gave  him  permission  to  go  every  first  day  of  the 
week  to  mass,  or  to  his  church,  so  long  as  he  behaved  with  propriety; 
but  he  was  not  long  enjoying  this  privilege,  before  he  took  out  two 
pair  of  trowsers  on  him,  and  returned  with  one  only,  and  in  a  state  of 
intoxication.  Of  course,  he  was  debarred  from  the  liberty  of  going  out 
jigain.    I  never  found  that  he  attended  a  meeting  in  the  hospital  af- 

G  2 


162  VISITS    OF    MERCY. 

The  young  Englishman  confesses  that  he  has  been  a 
thoughtless  rake,  and  is  much  amazed  that  God  did  not 
dash  him  into  atoms,-  but  that  he  will  acknowledge  his 
injustice  to  his  wife,  does  not  appear. 

Among  the  people  of  colour,  I  found  Richard  Neal,  a 
native  of  Delaware,  aged  twenty-eight  years,  who  is  blast- 
ed with  the  rheumatism.  He  lived,  in  childhood,  in  a 
family  which  paid  decent  attention  to  religion,  and  in 
which  he  obtained  some  speculative  knowledge  of  the  way 
of  salvation.  "At  that  time,"  he  said,  "I  knew  some- 
thing, hut  felt  nothing."  He  has  been  sick  two  years, 
and  with  tears  in  his  eyes  blesses  God  that  he  did  not  cut 
him  off  in  healthj  that  he  has  severely  afflicted  him,  and 
made  him  acquainted  with  Jesus  Christ.  Had  he  died  in 
health,  he  thinks  that  he  should  certainly  have  been 
damned. 

"But  how  do  you  know  now,"  I  demanded,  "that  you 
shall  be  saved?" 

terwards.  His  sufferings  were  of  the  most  excruciating  nature;  and 
he  bore  them,  I  think,  with  great  resignation  for  a  length  of  time,  un- 
til he  was  released  from  his  bodily  infirmities  on  the  3d  of  4th  month, 
1820."  During  his  residence  in  the  Pennsylvania  Hospital  I  frequent- 
ly spoke  with  Roe,  on  the  subject  of  the  great  salvation;  and  generally 
found  him  in  the  same  state  of  mental  conviction,  self-condemnation, 
and  gloomy,  half-despairing  hope,  which  he  evinced  in  New  York. 
Alas!  <' strong  drink  shall  be  bitter  to  them  that  drink  it."  Isa.  xxiv.  9. 
This  is  the  monster,  who,  while  our  various  sicknesses  incident  to 
temperate  man  are  slaying  their  thousands,  has,  by  his  single  hand, 
cast  down  into  the  gulf  of  endless  misery  tens  of  thousands  of  our 
fellow-citizens.  This  Samson  in  the  devil's  service  should,  by  our 
national  government,  be  shorn  of  his  locks;  a  few  of  which  were 
clipped  during  the  late  war,  but  grew  again  at  the  restoration  of 
peace;  and  all  good  men  should  unite  their  moral  influence  to  bind 
him  in  ch^ns  under  darkness  unto  the  judgment  of  the  great  day. 


VISITS    OF    MERCY.  163 

"  By  the  glorious  approbation  of  God's  love,  which  he  has 
put  into  my  heart.  He  makes  me  feel  that  he  is  the  for  giving 
God.  1  know  that  I  am  a  vile  sinner,  but  God  would  never 
have  done  this  for  me,  had  not  Christ  died  for  me.  I  can 
truly,  sir,  declare,  that  I  have  had  more  happiness  since  I  have 
bee?!  sick,  than  I  ever  had  in  my  whole  life  before.''^ 

*' Were  you  now  to  appear  before  God,  what  do  you 
think  would  be  your  first  business?" 

'*  /  would  bless  and  praise  his  holy  name  for  his  salvationP^ 

''What  would  you  do  next?'* 

"  /  would  pray  God  to  keep  me  from  sin,  for  ever,  and 
ever.^^ 

Christian  reader,  such  was  the  conversation  of  a  poor 
black  man.  Does  not  he  exhibit  the  power  of  grace? 
Has  he  not  a  holy  hatred  of  sin?  God  has  taught  him 
sounder  practical  divinity  than  is  to  be  found  in  many 
ponderous  volumes  of  Christian  doctors.  Should  not  this 
man*s  proficience  in  the  divine  life  reprove  the  sluggish 
believer? 

Would  to  God  that  multitudes  were  like  poor  Richard, 
with  the  exception  of  his  rheumatism! 


August  20th. 

Six  wards*  in  the  alms-house  been  have  visited  to-day, 
and  it  was  found  that  one  or  two  persons  had  died  in  each 
of  them,  during  the  past  week.    With  some  of  the  dying  I 

*  Byexaminin,^  the  remaining  manuscript  of  the  Journal,  it  appears 
that  the  stated  preacher  has  visited  not  less  than  ten  wards  in  the  two 
institutions  in  every  week,  besides  preaching,  on  an  average,  five 
discourses.  In  future,  the  reader  will  peruse  an  abridgment,  instead 
of  the  manuscript  in  full. 


164  VISITS  OP  MERCY. 

prayed,  and  with  some  conversed.  One  man,  who  has 
been  confined  with  a  fractured  limb  six  weeks,  has  in  that 
time  read  Owen  on  the  CXXX  Psalm,  and  committed 
to  memory  twenty-six  hymns. 


August  24/A. 

Caroline  appears  to  be  more  concerned  for  herself  i\v2i\i 
she  did  formerly,  when  she  thought  more  of  dishonouring 
her  mother  than  of  displeasing  the  dreadful  God.  She  says 
that  she  prays  almost  constantly  that  God  would  forgive 
her  sins.  If  this  person  acts  the  part  of  a  hypocrite,  she 
must  be  a  consummate  mistress  of  her  art.  I  know  that 
the  eyes  may  be  wiped,  when  they  are  dry,  and  that  the 
man  whose  heart  laughs  at  the  imposition,  may  shed  tears 
like  the  crocodile,  but  will  the  hypocrite  always  weep  ? 
Will  the  deceiver  wet  his  nightly  couch,  and  his  morsel  of 
bread  with  tears  ?  For  one,  I  confess,  that  although  I 
rarely  weep,  yet  I  think  favourably  of  the  person,  whose 
eye,  like  that  of  Job,  "  poureth  out  tears  unto  God.'* 
''  She  weepeth  sore  in  the  night,  and  her  tears  are  on  her 
cheeks;  among  all  her  lovers  she  hath  none  to  comfort 
her:  all  her  friends  have  dealt  treacherously  with  her.'* 

Even  some  of  her  companions,  who  rarely  give  each 
other  much  credit  for  sincerity,  weep  with  her.  One  of 
them  listened  while  I  spake  to  Caroline,  who  never  dis» 
covered  any  feeling  before,  and  the  opportunity  was  used 
of  pressing  divine  truth  home  upon  her  mind. 

Almost  every  day,  I  exclaim,  "  Oh !  for  a  Magdalen  hos- 
pital !'*  An  institution  of  this  name  was  opened  in  Lon- 
don, August  10th,  1758,  and  previously  to  January  3d, 
1811,  admitted /ow/-  thousand  o?ie  hundred  and  twenty -eight 


VISITS   OF  MERCY.  165 

females.  Of  this  number,  80  remained  in  the  institution; 
103  were  removed  because  they  were  lunatic,  subject  to 
fits,  or  afflicted  with  incurable  disorders;  75  died;  612 
were  discharged  at  their  own  request;  526  were  dis- 
charged for  improper  behaviour;  and  2732  had  been  re- 
conciled to  friends,  placed  in  service,  or  provided  with 
reputable  occupations.  The  Report  for  April  24th,  1811, 
states,  that,  *'of  the  number  reconciled  to  friends,  or 
placed  in  service,  some,  undoubtedly,  have  relapsed  into 
their  former  errors;  but  many  who  left  the  house  at 
their  own  request,  have  since  behaved  well;  and  several 
of  those  discharged  for  improper  behaviour  in  the  house, 
have,  to  the  certain  knowledge  of  the  committee,  never 
returned  to  evil  courses.  In  the  year  1791,  great  pains 
were  taken  to  trace  out  the  situation  of  all  those  women 
who  left  the  house  during  four  years,  from  May  1786  to 
May  1790;  and  the  result  of  that  inquiry,  which  was 
made  with  the  utmost  accuracy,  shows,  that  during  that 
period,  ABOUT  two-thirds  of  the  whole  number  of  women 
admitted  were  permanently  reclaimed,'*  Of  246  discharged 
in  four  years,  157  were  then  behaving  well,  74  behaving 
ill,  4  insane  in  confinement;  and  the  situation  of  10  was 
unknown.  "  The  women,  when  discharged  from  the 
house,  are,  for  the  most  part,  under  twenty  years  of 
AGE ;  and  it  is  an  invariable  rule  not  to  dismiss  any  wo- 
man, (unless  at  her  own  desire  or  for  misconduct,)  with- 
out some  means  being  provided,  by  which  she  may 
obtain  a  livelihood  in  an  honest  manner." 

A  chapel  is  provided  for  the  persons  in  this  hospital, 
in  which  the  founders  and  friends  of  the  charity  have 
pften  heard  the  most  grateful  music  from  the  choir  of 


166  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

protected  females.     One  of  their  hymns  is  peculiarly  ap- 
propriate and  beautiful. 

I  shall  transcribe  it,  with  the  hope  that  some  who 
read  it,  may  hear  it  sung  in  a  similar  hospital  in 
America. 

"  Father  of  mercies,  hear  our  pray'rs 

For  those  who  do  us  good; 
Whose  love  for  us  a  place  prepares^ 
And  kindly  gives  us  food. 

Each  hand  and  heart,  that  lends  us  aid. 

Thou  didst  inspire  and  guide; 
Nor  is  their  bounty  unrepaid, 

"Who  for  the  poor  provide. 

Thou  still  shalt  be  our  grateful  theme. 

Thy  praise  we'll  ever  sing; 
Our  friends,  the  kind  refreshing  stream. 

But  thou  th'  unfailing  spring. 

For  those  whose  goodness  founded  thiSj^ 

A  better  house  prepare; 
Receive  them  to  thy  heav'nly  bliss; 

And  may  we  meet  them  there  I 

May  all  the  pleasing  pains  they  share 

Be  crown'd  with  wish'd  success; 
The  present  age  applaud  their  care, 

And  future  ages  bless! 

So  shall  the  helpless,  who  remain 

Expos'd  as  we  before, 
Increasing  still  our  humble  strain, 

With  louder  songs  adore.'* 


Mugust  27th. 
A  SERVANT  of  an  excellent  family  is  now  sick  in  the 


VISITS  OF  MEROT.  167 

hospital.  Servants  of  colour  can  be  more  faithfully  at- 
tended in  this  house,  than  in  almost  any  private  dwellings 
and  when  their  masters  support  them,  it  should  not  be 
considered  unkind  to  transmit  them  to  the  care  of  ever- 
watchful  nurses  and  physicians. 

To  this  man  the  preacher  said,  *'how  great  was  the 
condescension  of  Christ  in  coming  down  from  heaven  to 
save  sinners  !'* 

The  patient  rolled  over  in  bed,  rubbed  the  large  plaster 
on  his  breast  in  extreme  agony,  and  lifting  his  hands 
and  eyes  to  heaven,  said,  ''  O  God,  forgive!  Yes,  he  is  a 
dear,  dear,  dear  Jesus."  He  could  not  speak  louder  than 
a  whisper,  but  perhaps  Christ  was  never  called  precious 
in  a  more  affecting  manner. 

To  be  a  servant  in  a  religious  family  is  an  inestimable 
blessing.  This  person  was  taught  the  way  of  life  through 
the  example  and  counsel  particularly  of  his  mistress. 

Mr.  T.  S.  C— '  has  lately  begun  to  read  the  bible  in  one 
of  the  wards  of  black  people,  and  it  is  said  that  his  hear- 
ers are  very  attentive  to  the  aged  lay-preacher. 

Caroline  looks  miserably.  She  has  seasons  of  weeping, 
which  not  unfrequetly  last  all  day  and  all  night.  Every 
person  in  the  house  seems  to  feel  deep  compassion  for  her. 


August  29th. 
A  DYING  man  requested  that  some  minister  might  be 
invited  to  pray  with  him.  When  the  Orderly  man,  who 
is  very  attentive  to  all  the  sick  in  such  cases,  asked  whom 
he  should  callj  the  patient  replied,  "  I  have  always  belong- 
ed to  the  Episcopal  church,  but  I  do  not  care  who  comes, 
or  what  is  his  denoniination,  if  he  is  a  good  man  and  can 
pray."     He  made  an  attempt  to  speak  to  the  writer;  but 


168  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

after  many  struggles  whispered,  '*Oh!  I  lament  that  I 
cannot  talk  with  you." 

The  confessions  of  sin  contained  in  the  excellent  form 
of  prayer  to  which  he  had  been  accustomed,were  repeated, 
explained,  and  enforced.  Then  the  doctrine  of  pardon, 
which  is  set  forth  in  the  same  liturgy,  was  exhibited. 
After  a  short  pause,  he  whispered,  saying,  '*when  the 
wicked  man  turneth  away  from  his  wickedness  that  he 
hath  committed,  and  doeth  that  which  is  lawful  and  right, 
he  shall  save  his  soul  alive.  I  have  been  a  very  great 
sinner,  but  I  have  been  several  years  reformed."  There 
was  no  evidence  to  disprove  this  testimony,  and  charity 
hopeth  all  things.  It  was  intimated,  however,  that  the  sin- 
ner always  needs  pardon^  and  that,  when  truly  reformed, 
his  only  foundation  of  hope  is  the  righteousness  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  After  uniting  in  prayer  with  the  writer, 
the  dying  man  requested  another  visit. 

Another  man  was  the  object  of  peculiar  attention,  be- 
cause he  is  nigh  unto  death,  and  perhaps  equally  near  to 
hell;  who  is  so  disgusted  with  this  state  of  suffering,  that 
he  wishes  to  die,  and  thinks  this  resignation.  He  is  con- 
fident of  perfect  preparation  to  go  to  his  Father;  and  will 
confess  that  he  is  a  sinner,  but  discards  the  Saviour.  Such 
hope  is  without  foundation;  such  resignation,  or  rather, 
dissatisfaction  with  divine  providence,  is  impiety;  and  all 
such  religion  worse  than  vain. 

Mrs.  Margaret  Scott,  who  is  bloated  with  the  dropsy, 
discovered  so  much  concern  for  her  youngest  son,  that 
the  writer  went  in  search  of  him,  to  procure  him  a  lodging 
in  the  alms-house.  The  lad  was  found  with  a  family, 
which  resides  in  a  cellar,  and  is  supported  by  selling  ve- 
getables and  making  coarse  shoes.     The  shoemaker  had 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  169 

protected  the  child  for  some  weeks,  and  fed  him  gratis; 
but  said  that  he  could  not  keep  him  long,  because  he  was 
too  small  to  set  upon  the  bench  of  his  profession.  ''  Well 
then,  my  little  fellow,"  said  the  person  who  sought  him, 
taking  the  boy  by  the  hand,  **  I  will  get  you  a  birth  in  the 
alms-house,  for  I  am  too  poor  to  keep  you." 

The  cobbler  and  his  wife  came  to  the  door  with  sad 
countenances.  The  frugal  pair  had  potatoes  to  sell,  and 
could  make  shift  to  live  by  the  sweat  of  the  brow.  ''  I 
would  gladly  keep  him,"  said  the  man,  "but  I  have  a 
large  family,  and  he  cannot  earn  any  thing  yet." 

He  was  about  to  be  led  away  to  a  sad  place.  ''  'Tis  a 
pity,"  said  the  good  woman,  "that  such  a  likely  child 
should  go  to  the  poor-house:  let  him  stay  here." 

It  was  concluded  that  the  boy  should  remain  where  he 
was,  until  his  mother  was  dead,  or  until  a  more  eligible 
situation  could  be  found. 

The  poor  are  frequently  more  beneficent  than  the  rich: 
and  the  person  who  of  his  penury  gives  all  that  he  has, 
when  duty  demands  it,  shall  be  more  honourable  than 
those  who  give  but  a  pittance  from  their  luxuries;  but  two 
mites  from  their  abundance. 

"  It  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive." 


August  30th. 

This  morning  the  Episcopalian  was  not  to  be  found  in 
the  land  of  the  living.  The  man  who  boasted  of  perfect 
resignation,  said  much  more  than  any  good  man  would 
desire  to  hear.  He  took  the  preacher  by  the  hand  and 
the  button,  to  make  him  listen  to  deistical  whisperings. 
Although  he  was  so  far  gone  in  the  consumption  that  he 

VOL.  I.  p 


170  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

could  not  utter  a  loud  word,  yet  he  said,  "I  thank  God 
that  I  am  willing  to  die,  because  I  am  prepared;  and  that 
I  have  from  my  cradle  despised  all  this  dispute  about 
Methodism,  Presbyterianism,  and  Episcopacy.  I  care 
for  none  of  their  systems;  and  thank  God  that  all  the 
preachers  in  the  world  cannot  drive  me  out  of  my  senti- 
ments. If  I  frequented  the  grog-shops,  I  did  not  myself 
drink  to  excess,  nor  partake  with  those  who  blasphemed 
their  Maker.  On  the  sabbath  I  sat  and  smoked  in  a 
friendly  way  with  my  neighbours,  while  others  were  run- 
ning to  this  and  that  church,  to  show  their  new  clothes, 
to  hear  a  new  preacher,  and  to  criticise  his  discourse. 
Now,  sir,  which  of  us  was  in  the  best  case?" 

^*  Neither  of  you  conducted  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
please  God;  and  neither  of  you,  if  sensible  of  his  guilt, 
could  die  with  composure." 

He  rejoined,  *'  O  I  would  not  be  in  the  case  of  these 
church-going  hypocrites  for  the  world,  for  I  have  walked 
behind  them  when  returning  from  church,  and  have  heard 
them  talk  about  the  pretty  fellows,  and  the  girls,  and  the 
fine  things  they  saw  there!  Why!  I  spent  my  time  in  a 
rational  way!" 

•'Will  you  not  allow  that  you  have  sometimes  sinned.^^ 
And  how  can  you  with  the  least  sin  appear  before  a  just 
God?  What  would  you  say  in  justification  of  yourself, 
after  you  had  been  obliged  to  plead  guilty.'^" 

His  answer  was,  '*  If  I  am  guilty,  I  would  bow  and  be 
still;  for  I  would  not  tell  a  lie,  which  would  certainly  be 
sinful.  I  should  expect  God  to  treat  me  as  a  school- 
master does  a  boy.  The  master  flogs  him  for  telling  a 
lie,  but  assures  him,  that  it  is  for  the  falsehood,  and  not 
for  his  previous  behaviour;  for  he  would  have  forgiven 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  171 

that.  But  God  will  not  make  me  plead  or  confess  any 
thing,  for  he  knows  all  things;  and  what  would  be  the  use 
of  my  telling  him  that  I  am  a  sinner?" 

When  the  name  of  Jesus  was  introduced,  he  knit  his 
brows  in  a  terrible  frown;  and  when  asked  if  he  believed 
in  Christ,  evaded  the  subject  by  coughing. 

Not  like  this  deist  is  the  negro  servant  of  Peter  Radcliff. 
He  trembled  with  emotion  when  he  confessed  himself 
guilty  before  God;  and  after  prayer  said,  like  one  whose 
soul  was  going  out  in  faith  to  meet  the  Desire  of  nations, 
'*  O  he  is  a  precious  Jesus." 


September  2nd. 
Many  circumstances  conspire  to  render  Caroline's  re- 
turn to  the  paths  of  virtue  probable;  and  particularly  the 
benevolent  feelings  of  the  matron  and  house-physician. 
A  mother  could  not  do  more  for  a  daughter,  or  iEscula- 
pius  for  his  sister,  than  is  done  for  this  young  woman. 
The  attempt  is  now  faithfully  making  to  restore  the  fallen. 
The  attentions  which  she  receives  appear  to  excite  grtiti- 
tude.  In  answer  to  some  examination  into  the  state  of  her 
soul,  she  said,  "  I  think  I  may  say  with  Joseph  concerning 
the  enemies  of  my  peace,  that  they  meant  it  for  evil,  but  God 
meant  it  for  good.  Had  not  God  suffered  me  to  be  afflicted, 
I  might  never  have  known  him.  I  was  one  of  the  gayest 
of  the  gay,  and  most  inconsiderate  of  the  thoughtless. 
Now  I  feel  an  earnest  desire  to  serve  my  Maker.  I 
thought  it  the  most  unfavourable  thing  which  could  hap- 
pen, to  be  compelled  to  come  to  this  place;  I  thought  it 
death;  but  it  was  ordered  kindly.  First,  I  bless  God,  and 
next,  I  am  grateful  to  man.'*     She  continues  to  feel  so 


172  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 


anxious  about  her  mother,  that  the  writer  insisted  on  ad- 
dressing a  letter  to  her.  This  he  had  frequently  done, 
but  Caroline  was  unwilling  to  have  her  situation  known^ 
until  she  could  appear  in  person  before  her  parent. 


September  3d. 

'*  My  sins  against  man/*  said  the  weeping  Caroline, 
"  I  feel  to  be  comparatively  nothing,butit  is  against  God 
that  I  have  sinned,  and  now  that  is  the  thing  which  trou- 
bles me  most.  I  hope  he  will  forgive  mej  but  if  not,  I 
would  wish  to  live  a  religious  life." 

A  letter  was  exhibited  to  her,  of  which  the  following 
is  a 

COPY. 

^'  New  York,  September  3d,  1811. 

"  Madam,«— One  who  has  the  feelings  of  a  mother  will  be 
happy  to  learn,  even  from  a  stranger,  the  situation  of  an 
absent  daughter.  Caroline  was  brought  to  this  city,  by 
that  base  young  man  who  obtained  leave  to  take  her  on 
a  visit  to  his  friends,  in  the  character  of  his  intended 
bridej  and  here,  as  it  became  a  deliberate  villain,  in  a 
strange  land,  at  the  distance  of  some  hundred  miles  from 
her  friends,  attempted  to  destroy  his  victim.  She  was  in 
the  power  of  one,  whom  she  loved  before  she  discovered 
his  treacherous  designs,  and  without  the  means  of  escape, 
when,  under  the  most  insidious  excuses,  and  with  all  fair 
promises,  he  attempted  to  deprive  her  of  honour,  peace, 
and  every  thing  which  can  endear  society,  or  support  one 
while  passing  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death. 
She  did  not  come  to  this  place,  and  this  situation,  with  her 


VISITS   OF   MERCY. 


73 


own  knowledge  or  consent;  for  how  should  she,  equally 
a  stranger  to  all  the  crooked  paths  of  the  world,  know 
that  she  was  going  to  New  York,  instead  of  P ? 

**  The  snare  of  the  fowler,  I  trust,  is  now  broken,  and 
the  bird  has  escaped  from  his  nets.  Your  daughter  is  yet 
alive.  He  could  not  so  harden  her  heart  as  to  make  her 
forget  you.  Her  tears,  incessantly  flowing,  were  trouble- 
some to  his  adamantine  bosom,  for  a  continual  dropping 
will  produce  some  effect  on  the  most  obdurate  substance. 
He  therefere  deserted  her.  Now  she  blesses  his  absence, 
and  thinks  she  will  never  willingly  see  his  face  again. 
He  left  her,  impaired  in  health,  without  means  of  sup- 
port, without  money  to  return  to  you,  and  with  a  broken 
heart.  But  the  Lord  was  pleased  to  provide.  In  her 
sickness,  her  affecting  case  was  made  known  to  the  bene- 
volent, and  she  is  now  under  the  care  of  one,  who  faith- 
fully acts  the  part  of  a  mother,  in  counsel  and  care.  Who 
this  person  is,  that  even  weeps  with  Caroline  in  her  sor- 
rows, she  may  in  due  time  inform  you.  A  short  time 
since  your  child  wept  so  incessantly,  that  we  were  fearful 
death  would  proceed  from  a  wounded  spirit. 

*' You  must  not  think  of  sending  for  her  at  present,  for 
her  health  will  not  allow  her  to  take  a  journey.  She  is 
not,  however,  confined  to  her  bed,  but  is  in  a  state  of  con- 
valescence. Tell  me,  would  you  gladly  and  kindly  receive 
your  child?  Please  to  return  an  answer  to  the  writer, 
and  she  shall  be  made  acquainted  with  it. 

"  In  the  course  of  six  or  seven  weeks,  you  may,  possibly, 
receive  your  daughter,  through  the  benevolence  of  Chris- 
tian friends,  to  the  embraces  of  that  bosom  which  sup- 
ported her  in  infancy.  She  wishes  now  to  go  to  you  on 
foot  over  all  the  rugged  miles.     Be  contented  then,  for 

p  2 


174  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

the  present,  to  know,  that  she  is  duteous  in  affection  to 
her  absent  mother." 

After  Caroline  had  perused  the  letter,  the  writer  de- 
manded if  he  should  send  it. 

''If  you  insist  upon  it,'*  was  the  reply.  All  who  were 
disposed  to  assist  her,  were  persuaded  that  a  kind  answer 
from  her  mother  would  promote  her  recovery. 

Q.   "  What  is  your  mother's  name?" 

A.    ''Martha." 

Q.   "  Where  does  she  reside?" 

A.  "  She  did  live  in  Guildhall,  where  I  was  born."  Of 
course  the  writer  forwarded  the  letter  to  Mrs.  Martha 
Stillwell,  the  family  name  of  Caroline,  and  expects  a  fa- 
vourable answer. 


September  6th. 

One  ward  of  the  alms-house,  in  which  I  preached  a  few 
days  ago,  has  lost  four  of  its  tenants  since  that  time,  and 
to-day,  some  of  my  feeble,  but  constant  hearers,  were 
found  dangerously  sick.  Some  of  these  discovered  the 
benign  influence  of  truth  already  cherished,  while  others 
needed  to  be  taught  the  first  principles  of  the  oracles  of 
God. 

Mrs.    E C r  sat  gloomy,  without  complaint; 

afflicted,  but  not  cast  away;  in  sorrow,  but  not  in  despair. 
"Do  come,"  she  said,  "  and  pray  with  me  again  on  the 
next  sabbath,  for  I  cannot  go  to  hear  you.  I  have  been 
long  travelling  through  this  world,  but  I  think  I  am  almost 
home.  I  confess  myself  a  helpless  sinner,  left  to  the  mer- 
cy of  God.  I've  nothing  to  plead,  but  my  own  guilt,  and 
Christ's  righteousness." 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  175 

No  sooner  had  I  darkened  the  door  of  that  room  which 
is  the  receptacle  of  the  skeletons  of  lost  females,  than  I 
heard  a  little  girl,  at  the  most  remote  part  of  the  ward, 
exclaim,  in  a  tone  which  indicated  pleasure  commingled 
with  pain,  ''  Oh!  there  he  is  again!'*  Passing  by  many, 
whose  countenances  were  new  to  me,  I  approached  her 
whose  voice  I  had  heard,  because  I  thought  her  face  fa- 
miliar to  me;  but  I  could  neither  remember  her  name,  nor 
the  place  in  which  I  had  seen  her.  I  looked  her  full  in 
the  face;  and  she  could  look  upon  me  no  more. 

"  Have  I  not  seen  you  before?" 

*'  Yes,  sir,^^ 

"  I  do  not  remember  where.  You  do  not  look  like  any 
person  that  I  perfectly  remember,  and  I  rarely  forget  a 
face.'' 

"  Fou  have  seen  me  in  the  hospital,  sir,  and  there  J  have 
heard  you  preach. " 

"  Can  it  be  possible  that  you  are  the  once  beautiful  girl 
of  fifteen?  Was  it  you  v/ho  made  many  promises  of  re- 
formation?    Is  your  name  M D ?" 

She  wept  an  affirmative  answer. 

"  How  different!  how  fallen,  from  what  you  then  was! 
Then  you  was  neat;  now  you  are  covered  with  filth.  Then 
you  was  in  comfortable  health,  and  we  had,  at  one  time, 
much  hope  of  rescuing  you  from  your  perilous  situation: 
but  now  you  are  merely  the  shadow  of  yourself.  You  are 
so  emaciated  that  I  did  not  know  you.  Do  you  remember 
my  warnings?"  *'0  yes,  sir,"  she  sobbed  out,  ''with 
shame  I  remember." 

"  And  in  spite  of  all  remonstrances,  you  have  pursued 
your  old  course,  only  to  find  renewed  experience,  of  what 
you  well  knew  before,  that  the  way  of  transgressors  is 


176  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

hardj  for  now  your  flesh  and  health,  which  might  have 
been  preserved,  seem  to  be  entirely  gone.  Do  not  think 
that  I  delight  to  reproach  you.  I  pity  you,  for  you  are 
not  seventeen  years  of  agej  you  are  motherless,  and  I 
would  still  be  the  instrument  of  saving  you." 

She  could  only  answer  by  the  faint  hue  which  fluttered 
over  her  wan  cheek,  and  sunk  again  upon  her  withered 
heart,  that  could  ill  aff*ord  to  part  with  any  of  its  vital 
fluid,  even  for  the  blush  of  shame.* 

In  a  room  contiguous  to  this,  were  many  persons  of  the 
same  moral  character,  who  requested  prayers.  Some 
faces  were  white  with  the  bleaching  of  death-blasts^  some 
were  scarlet,  in  consequence  of  a  free  use  of  ardent  spi- 
rits; some  were  covered  with  sores ;  some  had  lost  the 
use  of  their  eyes,  and  some  had  met  with  that  too  com- 
mon calamity,  the  loss  of  the  nose.  Would  to  God,  that 
the  inconsiderate  would  reflect,  for  one  moment,  that  libi- 
dinous indulgence  is  rottenness  to  the  bones  !  I  have  seen 
a  case,  in  which  I  verily  believe  that  my  hand  could  have 
wrung  the  limbs  asunder ;  and  in  another  case,  the  bones 
of  the  head  were  so  aff*ected,  that,  at  the  moment  of  death, 
the  skull  of  a  full  grown  man  burst  asunder,  and  his  brains 
gushed  out.  In  such  horrid  descriptions  I  have  no  delight; 
but  let  the  youth,  who  tampers  with  temptation,  beware 
of  taking  the  leap  into  that  abyss  whence  few  return. 

After  I  had  conversed  with  M B ,  who  aff'ords 

renewed  hope  that  she  is  a  daughter  of  Sarah  by  faith,  a 
young  woman  of  full,  broad  face,  blue  eyes,  and  Scotch 
dialect,  wished  to  speak  to  me.  Of  this  person  Burns 
might  have  sung,  in  his  tenderest  strains,  to  the  '*  moun* 
tain  daisy ;^'* 

•  See  pages  61,  63,  and  70, 


nSlTS  OF  MERCY.  177 

"  Such  is  the  fate  of  artless  maid. 
Sweet  flow'ret  of  the  rural  shade' 
By  love's  simplicity  betray'd. 

In  g-uileless  trust, 
Till  she,  like  thee,  all  spoil'd,  is  laid 

Low  i'  the  dust." 

When  the  writer  approached,  she  discovered  great 
agitation,  and  it  was  long  before  she  could  say,  "  Oh!  sir, 
I  have  a  hard,  hard  heart:  it  will  not  break:  it  will  not 
burst." 

*'God  can  break  the  hard  heart,  and  make  it  soft  j  he 
can  wash  the  foulest,  and  make  it  clean." 

"  Oh  !  but  I  fear  he  will  not.  1  know  he  can,  but  I  haw 
been  so  vile,  that  he  will  not.  He  will  leave  me  to  perish  in 
my  sins.     My  heart  will  not  submit :  J  cannot  bear  to  die  /" 

"Docs  the  hope  of  worldly  pleasure  make  you  wish 
to  continue  on  the  earth?" 

"  Oh,  no!  no.'  but  since  I  have  devoted  the  morning  of  my 
existence  to  sin,  I  want  to  live,  that  I  may  lead  a  different 
life,  and  go  again  to  that  church  which  I  have  dishonoured. " 

"  I  presume  that  you  are  of  Scotch-Irish  extraction?" 

"  Yes,  sir,  and  I  have  more  to  answer  for  than  those  who 
surround  me,  because  1  have  been  well  instructed.  1  was  ac- 
customed to  attend  Dr.  M'Leod^s  church;  I  was  taught  the 
way  of  life,  but  now  my  heart  will  not  submit,  I  cannot  tell 
you  how  vile  I  am.'^ 

"That  is  very  true;  for  who  can  understand  his  errors? 
Who  but  God  can  tell  how  vile  any  one  is?" 

"  OhJ  I  am  a  thousand  times  worse  than  I  can  think.  J 
cannot  tell  you  how  I  feel.  My  heart  rejects,  and  buffets,  and 
hates  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  but  0, 1  wish  that  he  would  break 


178  VISITS  OF  MERCT. 

Such  anguish  of  spirit  I  never  witnessed  before,  nor  is 
it  easy  to  conceive  of  stronger  convictions  of  the  obdu- 
racy of  the  human  heart  than  she  manifested.  '*/am 
nothing  but  pollution  from  the  beginning^  from  my  original,^^ 
was  the  burden  of  her  complaint.  It  was  admitted  that  all 
which  she  said  of  her  own  iniquity  was  true,  while  she 
was  reminded,  that  those  who  doubt  the  divine  disposi- 
tion and  ability  to  save,  account  God  a  liar.  Mercy  was 
renewedly  proffered,  but  she  would  not  be  comforted. 
The  knowledge  which  this  person,  A T ,  pos- 
sesses, in  religious  matters,  is  truly  surprising.  She 
seems  to  have  been  a  systematic  theologist  from  her 
childhood.  The  confessions  of  sin,  which  arc  frequently 
made,  are  various.  Once  a  woman,  with  all  the  pride  of 
humility  reigning  in  her  heart,  came  to  her  clergyman, 
and  said,  "  Sir,  I  am  a  vile  sinner,  I  feel  that  I  am  one  of 
the  greatest  hypocrites  in  the  world."  With  a  counte- 
nance almost  as  much  disfigured  as  her  own,  the  minister 
replied,  "  so  you  are,  good  woman;"  whereupon  she  turn- 
ed away,  saying  in  a  tone  of  exasperation,  '*you  lie,  I 

aVt  I"     The  confessions  of  A T are  not  of  this 

description. 

The  young  man  who  disowns  his  wife  has  so  far  reco- 
vered as  to  have  been  carried  from  the  hospital  to  a 
boarding-house.  Those  who  were  fellow-patients  with 
him  inform  me,  that  his  injured  wife  called  to  see  him 
before  his  departure,  but  he  rewarded  her  kindness  with 
contempt,  and  said  that  of  all  women  she  was  most  odious 
to  him.  Sinners,  who  have  neither  the  conscience  nor 
honour  to  repair  an  injury,  commonly  hate  those  most, 
whom  they  have  most  abused.  **  A  lying  tongue  hateth 
those  that  are  afflicted  by  it."     Prov.  xxvi.  28. 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  179 

The  deist,  whose  case  was  stated  on  the  30th  of  August 
last,  is  probably  sealed  unto  perdition.  He  told  some 
young  friends,  who  paid  him  a  visit,  that  when  he  was 
dead,  he  should  go  to  hell,  and  would  stand  at  the  door, 
to  call  them  in,  when  they  came  along  that  way,  that  he 
might  have  the  pleasure  of  raking  open  the  coals  of  the 
bottomless  pit,  to  warm  them.  This  is  only  a  specimen 
of  the  impiety  of  this  dying  man. 


September  1 2th. 

"I  HAD  rather  be  a  door-keeper  in  the  house  of  my 
God  than  to  dwell  in  the  tents  of  wickedness."  This  is, 
undoubtedly,  the  sentiment  of  every  pious  heart.  Never- 
theless, a  door-keeper  of  a  church  of  God  is  compelled, 
by  poverty,  to  take  up  his  residence  in  the  hospital. 
"  You  will  please  to  pray  with  us,  before  you  go,"  said  a 
tall  man  of  venerable  appearance,  '*  for  I  am  glad  to  meet 
you  here,"  His  manner  was  winning,  and  his  longhair, 
neatly  combed,  was  all  white  with  winter.  Well  do  I  re- 
member with  what  alacrity  he  unfolded  the  doors  of  a 
church  for  me,  and  made  all  necessary  preparation  for 
public  worship.  I  knew  him  to  be  a  Christian,  and  won- 
dered at  finding  him  in  an  institution  of  public  charity. 
The  truth  was  found  to  be,  that  having  become  too  feeble, 
from  an  accidental  injury,  to  perform  the  duties  of  his 
office,  and  support  his  aged  wife,  he  concluded  to  seek 
for  health,  where  he  could  enjoy  the  means  without  ex- 
pense to  himself.  The  church  to  which  he  belongs  is 
rather  embarrassed  in  pecuniary  matters^  and  the  Lord 
be  praised  that  the  hospital  is  open  to  all  of  every  nation; 
to  those  who  have  money,  and  to  those  who  have  none. 


180  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

It  rarely  contains,  however,  such  a  combination  of  dig- 
nity, poverty,  and  piety  as  are  found  in  this  Irishman. 

A T remains  in  the  same  state  of  body  and 

mind.    Her  mental  anguish  is  unutterable.  M B 

and  M D were  seated  on  a  bed  together,  beside 

their  agonizing  companion.  The  first  I  exhorted  to  in- 
struct the  secondj  for  both  have  tasted  the  bitter  cup  of 
transgression,  but  one  has  much  more  knowledge  than 
the  other.     The  reader  may  wish  to  learn  something  of 

M D *s  history.     When  health  returned  to  her  in 

the  hospital,  she  became  insensible  to  past  wickedness 
and  misery.  While  remaining  there,  that  some  place  of 
residence  might  be  found  for  her,  or  some  occupation 
procured,  she  became  acquainted  with  a  young  man, 
whose  conduct  and  situation  had  been  similar  to  her  own. 
He  promised,  on  leaving  the  institution,  to  become  her 
protector.  Accordingly,  when  he  was  ready  to  depart, 
she  eloped,  and  they  met,  to  reside  in  the  suburbs.  His 
protection  was  of  short  duration^  his  money  was  soon 
gonej  she  returned  to  the  practice  of  Corinth,  and  multi- 
plied abominations,  more  than  her  sisters  Samaria  and 
Sodom.  Extreme  sickness  was  the  resultj  and  having 
lodged  for  a  few  nights  in  a  cellar  with  blacks,  she  was 
brought  to  the  alms-house.  The  way  of  lewdness  is  the 
shortest  way  to  hell. 


September  loth. 

Mrs.  Margaret  Scott,  who  was  introduced  to  the  read- 
er's acquaintance  on  the  15th  of  August  last,  has  rapidly 
declined  for  several  days  past;  and  at  length  has  fallen 
asleep.     Her  eldest  child,  a  daughter,  is  at  service,  and 


VISITS   OF   MERCY.  181 

maintains  her  youngest  sister,  who  cannot  be  more  than 
three  years  of  age.  The  second  daughter  Avas  taken  un- 
der the  care  of  the  matron  of  the  hospital,  who  has  pro- 
cured an  excellent  situation  in  the  .country,  where  the 
child  will  be  kept  from  much  of  the  evil  that  is  in  the 
world.  The  eldest  son  is  a  young  man,  who  has  gone  to 
sea,  and  her  other  child  is  a  lad  of  nine  years,  who  lives 
with  the  cobbler.  The  good  mother  had  a  few  anxieties 
before  death,  which  were  not  unamiable.  She  could  not 
close  her  eyes  until  some  one  had  promised  to  be  a  guar- 
dian to  each  of  her  helpless  orphans.  In  addition  to  this, 
she  obtained  a  promise  from  her  eldest  daughter,  that  her 
body  should  be  deposited  in  one  of  the  grave-yards  of  her 
church.  It  seems  no  more  than  reasonable,  that  the 
richest  church  in  America  should  give  her  poor  saints 
their  last  bedj  for  there  is  something  pleasing  to  most 
persons,  in  the  thought  of  having  their  dust  gathered  to 
the  ashes  of  their  fathers.  At  any  rate,  if  this  be  a  weak- 
ness, it  i.s  not  censurable,  and  Rebecca  gave  her  mother 
the  promise,  which  she  punctually  fulfilled.  With  com- 
posure, with  hope,  the  fond  mother  went  to  rest,  where 
the  wicked  cease  from  troubling. 


September  1 4th. 

For  three  or  four  days  and  nights  Caroline  has  wept 
almost  incessantly.  Something  gives  her  great  uneasi- 
ness, when  any  one  speaks  of  her  mother.  If  her  grief 
should  continue,  she  will  never  meet  her  forsaken  parent. 

The  writer,  who  promised  to  protect  an  unguarded 
boy,  to-day  sought  his  charge,  at  the  poor  cobbler's  cel- 
lar, but  could  not  find  him.    Last  night  he  was  there,  but 

VOL.  I.  q 


182  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

where  he  was  when  his  guardian  sought  him,  none  could 
say^  for  how  could  a  labouring  man  watch  a  playful  child? 
He  was  sought  in  the  streets,  but  could  not  be  found. 
Night  and  hunger  will  probably  bring  him  homej  for 
these  regulate  hundreds,  who  experience  no  other  govern* 
ment. 

At  the  request  of  Mrs.  Peter  Radcliff,  the  writer  visit- 
ed a  poor  widow  of  the  city.  Her  husband  has  been  dead 
two  years.  She  has  six  children;  the  eldest  of  whom  is 
fifteen  years  of  age,  and  can  afford  considerable  assistance. 
About  three  months  ago,  a  son  of  seven  years  was  taken 
sick  with  the  small-pox.  For  seven  weeks  the  widow  paid 
such  attention  to  this  lad,  that  she  did  not  once,  during 
that  time,  sleep  with  her  clothes  off.  The  child  died;  and 
the  mother,  through  debility  and  a  severe  cold,  was  im- 
mediately confined  to  her  bed,  from  which  she  may  never 
arise.  When  I  entered,  the  breakfast-table  with  its  scanty 
furniture  was  standing  beside  her  bed,  and  the  daughter 
was  preparing  some  tea.  She  insisted  on  having  the  table 
removed,  for  the  present,  saying,  that  '*  to  hear  religious 
conversation  and  unite  in  prayer  is  better  than  daily 
food."  The  only  chair  in  the  room  afforded  me  a  seat 
beside  her,  while  her  daughter  stood  by  the  fire,  and  at 
my  back  was  posted  a  young  man  in  mean  attire. 

*'  I  never  thought  of  religion,  sir,'*  she  said,  "  until  my 
child  died.  Since  that,  many  ladies  come  here  to  see  me, 
and  talk  about  Christ;  and  O,  it  comforts  my  heart.  I 
bless  God  that  he  is  so  good  to  me,  in  sending  friends." 

She  confessed  her  exceeding  sinfulness  in  every  thing, 
but  particularly  mourned  her  past  neglect  of  the  sabbath 
and  public  worship.  Now,  might  God  permit,  she  **  would 
gladly  crawl  on  her  hands  and  knees  along  the  streets  to  any 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  183 

church,  and  should  think  herself  happy  if  she  could  get  even 
to  the  Clearest  methodist  praying  meeting.''' 

David  desired  in  sickness  restoration,  that  he  might 
visit  the  sanctuary ;  "  but,  good  woman,  the  gospel  is 
brought  nigh  to  you.  It  is  proclaimed  in  your  chamber. 
Here  the  Lord  Jesus  assures  you  that  he  is  able  and  will- 
ing to  save,  and  that  none  who  come  to  him  shall  be  re- 
jected." 

**  That  1  know,  sir,  and  in  that  I  rejoice,  for  the  word  of 
God  teaches  me,  Christ  is  all  the  hope  of  7ny  poor  heart. 
Tliat  young  man  (she  pointed  to  the  one  behind  me,)  lives 
near  this,  and  when  he  comes  in  every  day,  I  get  him  to  read 
two  or  three  chapters  to  me,  O,  Pve  got  a  Bible,  sir;  Mr. 
Smith  brought  it  to  me.     It  is  a  fine  bookT^ 

**  May  the  reading  do  the  young  man  good."  **  O,  sir," 
she  rejoined,  "  I  hope  it  will  break  his  heart,  and  then  he 
will  turn  from  sin,  There^s  nothing  like  it.  It  will  break 
the  heart,^^ 

Her  anxiety  for  him  seemed  to  pierce  him;  for  the  poor 
young  labourer  was  solemn  and  silent. 


September  1 5th. 

Mr.  Roome,  the  present  superintendent  of  the  State's 
Prison,  in  which  I  preached  to-day,  related  the  following 
anecdote. 

Not  long  since  two  persons  were  in  this  place  of  con- 
finement, who  gave  satisfactory  evidence  that  they  were 
truly  converted  to  God.  M'Donald,  who  was  commit- 
ted for  horse-stealing,  first  became  an  exemplary  man, 
and  lodged  in  the  rpom  with  one  Johnson.  This  man 
was  committed  for  forgery,  and  after  a  long  confinement, 


184  VISITS   OF   MERCY. 

attempted  to  make  his  escape  by  leaping  from  the  wall. 
Previously  to  this  attempt,  he  had  conducted  like  an  alter- 
ed  man;  and  even  a  Christian  might  be  induced  to  be- 
lieve, that  escape  from  penalty,  where  it  is  possible,  after 
long  infliction  of  it,  is  no  crime.  In  the  act  of  leaping, 
he  burst  an  artery  of  his  leg,  and  mortification  followed. 
Sensible  of  the  near  approach  of  death,  he  desired  to 
speak  with  his  old  room-mate.  The  keeper  brought 
M'Donaldinto  his  presence,  when  the  dying  man  said,  with 
tender  familiarity,  '*  Well,  Mac,  I  am  going  to  die,  and 
I  wanted  to  discharge  a  debt  of  gratitude.  I  owe  you 
everlasting  thanks,  for  had  it  not  been  for  your  exertions 
and  example,  I  should  not  have  known  any  thing  of  Christ. 
I  could  not  die  in  peace  without  confessing  to  you,  that 
when  you  and  I  came  to  live  in  the  same  room,  I  hated 
you,  because  you  was  religious.  When  you  talked  to  me, 
I  wished  that  you  would  hold  your  tongue,  and  often, 
when  you  read  the  Bible  or  prayed  at  night,  I  used  to  put 
my  handkerchief  over  my  head  and  stop  my  ears;  but 
finally,  the  more  I  strove  against  your  religion,  the  more 
it  worked  on  me.  In  short,  I  had  no  peace  until  I  took 
to  praying  too.  Now  I  thank  God  that  I  can  die  in  com- 
fort. I  bless  God  for  your  instructions,  with  my  dying 
breath."  After  this  he  spoke  in  sublime  strains  of  the 
pleasures  af  pardoned  sin,  prayed  in  a  loud  voice  with 
the  keeper  and  M 'Donald,  and  immediately  died.  He 
was  thirty-seven  years  of  age;  and  not  long  after,  in  his 
forty-first  year,  followed  McDonald,  whose  death  was  tran- 
quil, and  even  triumphant. 

The  reader  will  be  gratified  with  some  of  this  last  per- 
son's writing.  With  a  few  slight  alterations  in  a  few 
words,  but  none  in  the  sense,  I  shall  present 


VISITS    OF    MEKC\.  185 

A    COPY 

Of  some  poetry,  written  by  McDonald*  while  in  Prison. 
I. 

John  1. 17.  &  8.  32.  &  14. 6.  Prov.  23.  23.    Ye  busy  minds  that  seek  for  trutli, 

James  3.  1—6.    Must  own  that  pleasure,  pelf,  or  pain, 
Luke  12.  20  &  21.    Are  sure  rewards  in  early  youth, 
Ecclesiastes  2. 1—12.    And  all  that  man  in  life  can  gain; 
1  Cor.  1. 21—30.  Colossians  2.  3.    Unless  to  wisdom  he  should  cry, 

James  4.  8.    Should  by  the  Spirit  strive  to  move, 
Matt.  7.  7.    And  call  the  blest  Eedeemer  nigh, 
Gal.  5.  6.  John  14. 13  &  14.    To  grant  that  faith  which  wMks  by  love. 
II. 
Prov.  8.  9.    The  Bible's  precepts  all  are  plain, 
2  Cor.  4.  3.    And  right,  to  them  that  knowledge  find  ; 
1  Cor.  2. 14.    But  nat'ral  tongues  can  ne'er  explain,i 
Rom.  12.  2.  Eph.  4.  23.  Col.  3.  10.    Unless  the  Lord  renew  the  mind. 
1  Cor.  3. 18.    Become  a  fool,  if  you'll  be  wise, 
James  1.  .5  &  6.    And  wisdom  seek  from  God  above  : 
John  16.  24.  Jer.  50. 4  &  5.    Then  ask  of  him,  he'll  not  despise, 
1  John  3.  22  &  23.    But  freely  grant  his  pardoning  love. 
III. 
Rom.  5. 1.  Ps.  119.  165.  Phil.  4.  6  &  7.    O  then,  sweet  peace,  to  conscience  dear, 
Isaiah  26.  3,  4.    Will  make  her  kind  abode  with  thee, 
1  Cor.  10. 13.  Prov.  3.  21—26.    And  through  this  rugged  path  will  steer 
Isaiah  58.  11.  Luke  1.  79.    Thy  bark  from  ev'ry  danger  free. 
Col.  1.  2.  7.    No  doubts  shall  in  thy  bosom  rise, 
John  8.  32  &  36.  Gal.  5. 1.    For  God  in  Christ  has  made  thee  free, 
Isa.  25.  7.  2  Cor.  3.  13—18.    The  veil  has  taken  from  thine  ej'es, 
Rom.  8. 1  &  21.    To  walk  in  gospel  liberty. 
IV. 
Matt.  5.  6.    If  any  thirst  for  righteousness, 
Luke  6.  21.    Or  hunger  for  the  bread  of  lifer 
John  4. 10. 14.  &  6.  35,  &  7.  37,  38.    Christ  fills  their  souls  with  happiness  : 
Isa.  58. 4.    Nor  shall  they  drink  ungodly  strife. 
John  1. 12.    All,  who  believe  upon  his  name, 
1  John  3. 1  &  2.    Are  justly  styl'd  the  sons  of  God  : 
Titus  2. 13  &.  14.  Heb.  12.  2.    By  faith  and  hope  they  trust  in  him, 
1  Pet.  1. 19.    Who  made  atonement  with  his  blood. 
*  M 'Donald  states,  that  he  was  induced  to  write  these  lines,  by- 
listening  to  different  teachers,  examining  many  denominations  of 
Christians,  and  finding,  to  his  surprise  and  alarm,  that  many  swerve 
from  the  scriptures  of  truth,  "  which  contain  the  divine  mysteries  of 
God." 

Q2 


186  VISITS   OF   MERCY. 


John  6.  29.  Christ  says  this  is  the  work  of  God, 

John  3. 14 — ^18.  T'  believe  on  him  whom  God  hath  sent . 

John  6.  35—53.  To  eat  his  flesh,  and  drink  his  blood. 

Isa.  33.  15  &  16.  Rev.  2.  17.  By  faith  you'll  see  what  bread  he  meant : 
The  waters  are  the  word  of  God, 

Eph.  5.  26,  To  sanctify  and  cleanse  the  soul  ; 

John  1.  1.  Col.  2.  9.  And  scripture  proves  that  Christ's  the  word, 

Rev.  19.  13.  Eph.  3.  14—20.  Which  truly  comprehends  the  whole. 
VI. 

Luke  13.  24.  James  4.  3.  Heb.  11.  6.  Then  let  us  strive,  and  long  endure, 

Rom.  5.  1.  Eph.  2.  13  Sc  18.  By  faith  to  make  our  peace  with  God, 

2  Pet.  1. 10.  Our  calling  and  election  sure. 

Rev.  6,  16  &  17.  Heb.  2.  3.  12.  25.  And  thus  escape  his  wrathful  rod. 

Isa.  45. 21.  John  14.  27.  The  Lord  is  just.    In  Christ  there's  peaor 

Luke  2.  3—33.  Acts  4.  12.  And  that  salvation  which  we  praise : 

Rom.  10.  17.  Eph.  3.  17.  O  may  our  faith  and  love  increase, 

2  Cor.  9. 15.  Heb.  13.  12.  And  God  receive  the  songs  we  raise. 

On  the  back  of  the  paper,  which  contains  the  foregoing^ 
performance,  the  author  has  said,  ''  whosoever  will  pe- 
ruse the  within  seventy-five  passages  of  scripture,  with 
the  same  attention  with  which  I  have  selected  them,  will 
not  fail  of  reaping  a  due  reward  from  that  gracious  Bene- 
factor, whose  mercy  endureth  to  all  generations." 

AN  ELEGY, 

By  the  same  Prisoner,  who  conceived  himself  to  have  been  con 
victed  by  false-witnesses. 
You  who  can  spare  one  moment's  time. 
And  listen  to  a  true  complaint, 
Will  not  accuse  me  of  a  crime, 
Nor  think  me  void  of  just  restraint, 
When  you  consider  well  the  cause 
Of  cruelty  which  I  denounce: 
For  not  against  the  wholesome  laws 
Would  I  an  evil  word  pronounce. 

But  fate,  at  whose  decrees  we  guess. 
By  evil  and  designing  men, 
Has  cast  me  into  sore  distress, 
Like  some  wild  monster  in  a  den?; 


VISITS   OF  MERCY.  187 

Opprest  with  solitude  and  thought, 
Which  cause  my  mind  full  oft  to  roam. 
And  ruminate  their  wiles  that  brought 
Me  to  this  sad,  uncourtly  home. 

Here  months,  to  me  like  days  untold. 
Pass  o'er  my  head  with  strong  regress: 
Samaritans  cannot  behold. 
But  Priests  and  Levites  daily  pass. 
Like  Pharaoh's  butler,  one  did  say, 
**  Alas!  I  have  you  long  forgot. 
And  do  recall  my  fault  this  day;" 
But  to  relieve  me  hasten 'd  not. 
Divided  from  all  friendship  dear, 
For  wife  and  children  here  I  grieve. 
In  solemn,  secret,  fervent  pray'r, 
I  seek  to  him  who  can  reUeve; 
Well  knowing  that  the  arm  of  man, 
Though  bound  by  oaths  in  solemn  trusty 
Will  deviate  from  virtue's  plan. 
And  leave  me  hopeless  in  the  dust. 

When  I  am  far  remov'd  from  hence. 
And  once  that  common  debt  is  paid. 
My  false  accusers  must  come  thence. 
Before  the  Judge  of  quick,  and  dead. 
There  no  false  pleadings  can  be  heard. 
Nor  silver  tears  commend  a  man: 
That  God  who  only  must  be  fear'd. 
Will  work  his  just  and  upright  plan. 

Then  shall  the  wicked  turn  to  hell. 
With  all  the  blind  that  know  not  God: 
No  parasite  shall  then  excel. 
Nor  splendid  pomp  relief  afford; 
Pure  faith  and  love  shall  ornament 
The  bearer's  head  as  with  a  crown, 
And  I  no  longer  shall  lament, 
Nor  earthly  monarchs  on  me  frown, 


188  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

September  16M. 
Man,  who  cannot  search  the  heart,  must  often  be  influ- 
enced in  his  conduct  by  the  outward  appearance.  Judg- 
ing from  what  the  human  eye  can  discover,  there  has 
been  more  reason  to  indulge  the  hope  of  reclaiming  Ca- 
roline, than  any  one  of  her  companions.  She  has,  there- 
fore, received  more  attention  in  the  hospital  than  any  one 
of  her  class  ever  enjoyed  there  before.  All  persons  con- 
cerned in  the  immediate  care  of  the  patients,  seemed  to 
have  conspired  for  her  restoration.  This  has  given 
some  of  the  inhabitants  of  her  ward  great  offence;  and 
they  seek  to  find  satisfaction  by  tormenting  her.  The 
motives  which  dictated  the  following  letter,  which  was 
given  to  Caroline  by  the  matron,  will  appear  from  the 
perusal. 

COPY. 

^'  New  York,  September  \6ih,  A.  D.  1811. 
*'  Caroline, 

'•^  Your  situation  is  indeed  a  trying  one.  You  need  con- 
solation, and  I  regret  that  the  malevolence  of  those  unhap- 
py women,  with  whom  you  ara  confined,  should  render 
it  necessary  for  me  to  speak  to  you  in  particular,  less 
frequently  than  I  could  wish.  Their  opinion  of  my  at- 
tention is  nothing  to  me;  but  I  am  unwilling  that  you 
should  experience  from  them  needless  persecution. 
Would  to  God  that  they  were  as  desirous  of  instruction 
and  as  grateful  for  kindness  as  you  appear  to  be.  You  must 
^patiently  bear  their  scoffs,  for  you  have  fallen  into  their  so- 
ciety; but  if  they  call  you  a  hypocrite,  that  will  not  make 
you  one.  See  that  you  finally  prove  your  sincerity.  You 
must  expect  reproach  for  your  past  sins,  from  those  who 
know  nothing  of  penitence;  and  you  perceive  in  their 


VISITS  OF  MERCY,  189 

unkindness,  that  the  unrenewed  heart  is  even  opposed  to 
the  merciful  Redeemer.  An  abandoned  woman  is  neither 
willing  to  enter  the  kingdom  of  heaven  herself,  nor  pleas- 
ed that  others  should  be  saved.  Let  your  wicked  room- 
mates continue  to  say  that  ''  you  will  soon  elope  with  the 
parson  or  doctor,"  because  we  seek  your  salvation.  Re- 
gard them  not,  except  it  be  to  pray  for  their  conviction 
and  conversion.  Were  they  disposed  to  receive  assistance, 
we  should  as  gladly  proffer  it  to  them  as  to  you.  Receive 
from  us  this  assurance,  that  so  long  as  you  continue  to 
maintain  the  humility,  penitence,  and  spirit  of  new  obe- 
dience, which  we  think  are  manifest  in  you,  we  will  act 
the  part  of  friends.  If  God  preserves  our  lives,  you 
shall  not  from  necessity  be  cast  out  to  the  contempt  and 
misery  of  the  world.  Should  you  die  in  the  hospital, 
your  body  shall  be  interred  with  respect;  but  should  you 
recover,  and  be  rejected  by  your  relatives,  some  occupa- 
tion shall  be  provided,  which  will  yield  you  the  means  of 
comfortable  and  reputable  subsistence.  Be  of  good 
courage;  the  Lord  will  provide.  To  him  you  are  indebt- 
ed for  all  those  circumstances  which  elevate  you  above 
many  of  your  fallen  fellow-sinners.  If  you  are  truly  peni- 
tent, it  is  God  who  has  pierced  your  soul  with  arrows 
of  conviction;  who  has  slain  you  by  the  law,  that  you 
may  live  by  the  gospel,  to  the  praise  of  Christ's  righteous- 
ness; and  who  has  made  the  blood  of  his  gracious  cove- 
nant precious  to  your  soul.  Remember,  then,  that  with 
God  there  is  mercy,  that  he  may  be  feared,  and  trusted 
too. 

*'It  is  not  time,  calculating  on  the  usual  delay  of  coun- 
try post-offices,  to  expect  a  letter  from  your  mother ; 
but  so  soon  as  I  receive  one,  you  shall  know  its  contents. 


190  VISITS    OF    MEIICY. 

In  the  meantime,  seek  to  compose  your  mind  by  the  con- 
sideration, that  Jesus  died  to  save  sinners.  Do  not  read 
too  much,  for  your  mind  becomes  confused,  and  you  de- 
rive no  advantage.  Young  persons,  when  anxious  to 
know  the  way  of  life,  commonly  fall  into  this  error. 
They  read  much,  and  think  little.  It  is  as  much  your 
duty,  at  proper  seasons,  to  compose  yourself  for  sleep, 
as  at  other  times  to  pray.  Above  all  things,  receive  the 
testimony  of  God,  concerning  his  Son,  that  he  sent  him 
into  the  world  to  save  the  chief  of  sinners.  Not  to  believe 
this,  so  as  to  trust  in  God  for  pardon  and  acceptance 
through  the  righteousness  of  Jesus  Christ,  is  nothing 
less  than  to  make  God  a  liar.  If  you  wish  instruction 
on  any  subject,  which  I  do  not  explain  in  my  general 
discourse  in  your  ward,  you  need  not  fear  to  express 
your  wish  to  one,  who  feels  his  own  need  of  pardon. 
May  God  bless  youj  for  I  hope  that  with  him  is  mercy 
for  you." 

Before  the  above  letter  was  presented,  it  was  read,  and 
assented  to,  by  the  house-physician,  whose  skill  and  be- 
nevolence do  honour  to  his  understanding  and  heart.* 

September  18M. 
Through  the  compassion  and  instrumentality  of  Mrs. 

*  In  this  place,  the  writer  begs  leave  to  tender  his  gratitude  to 
Messrs.  Tappen  and  Inderwick  of  the  hospital,  and  Mr.  Anderson 
of  the  alms-house,  not  only  for  their  polite  attentions  to  him;  but  for 
their  fidelity  to  the  sick  under  their  care.  These  young  practitioners 
in  the  healing  art,  are  gentlemen  of  excellent  understanding,  amia- 
ble manners,  and  moral  principle,  who  promise  to  be  the  future  orna- 
ments of  their  profession,  and  some  of  the  most  useful  members  of 
society. 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  191 

Broadhead,  some  necessary  articles  of  dress  for  Caroline, 
were  procured  from  the  wardrobe  of  the  Dorcas  Society. 

On  the  16th  instant,  the  son  of  Mrs.  Margaret  Scott 
was  found  by  the  writer,  who  was  engaged  to  do  the  best 
he  could  for  the  child,  and  led  to  the  alms-house.  It  was 
contemplated  that  he  should  board  there,  and  attend  the 
free-school  of  Trinity  church,  until  something  better 
could  be  provided  for  him.  When  the  lad's  case  was 
stated  to  the  superintendent,  and  especially  when  the  in- 
formation was  given,  that  the  father  of  the  child  was 
a  drunkard,  who  had  paid  his  children  no  attention  for 
two  years,  the  tears  fell  rapidly  from  the  eyes  of  the  boy, 
who  was  more  affected  at  his  father's  wickedness,  than  his 
mother's  death. 

To-day  the  boy  called  on  his  guardian,  and  requested 
him  to  visit  Rebecca.  The  dutiful  daughter,  who  had 
performed  the  task  of  a  hired  servant  by  day,  and  watch- 
ed with  her  dying  mother  by  night,  was  found  in  the 
kitchen  of  a  porter-house,  making,  or  rather  altering 
garments  for  her  sister.  Since  the  death  of  the  mother, 
Rebecca  had  been  sick  from  unusual  fatigue.  She  was 
now  better,  but  pale,  and  the  little  girl  of  three  years 
made  her  appearance,  with  a  clean  face,  and  hung  on 
her  sister's  skirt. 

"  Well,  Rebecca,  I  suppose  you  have  some  request  to 
make.  Speak  freely,  for  I  promised  your  good  mother 
to  assist  you,  so  far  as  I  am  able." 

She  hesitated,  and  blushed:  the  boy  sat  him  down  in 
the  corner  and  sobbed^  but  she  finally  stated  that  her  lit- 
tle brother  came  home  dissatisfied  with  his  situation. 
For  two  nights  past  he  had  been  put  into  a  bed  which 
contained  five  boys  besides  himself.     They  considered 


192  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

him  a  stranger,  and  kicked  him  out.  The  boys  used  pro- 
fane language,  were  lousy,  and  he  could  not  endure  the 
thought  of  living  there.  "  You  have  done  so  much,  sir, 
that  I  dare  not  make  any  request,"  said  Rebecca, 
«  but " 

"  But  what?  He  shall  go  home  with  me,  for  the  pre- 
sent. What  did  the  funeral  of  your  mother  cost  you?" 
The  fees  for  the  ground,  the  sexton's  services,  &c.  amount- 
ed to  ten  dollars^  of  which  she  had  paid  five,  and  was 
now  working  to  discharge  the  remainder  of  the  debt. 

*'  It  is  enough  for  you  to  provide  for  yourself  and  little 
sister."  The  five  dollars  which  were  due  were  paid;  and 
the  body  of  Margaret  Scott  sleeps  in  peace,  whilfe  her 
spirit  rests  in  hope  of  a  glorious  resurrection. 

The  reader  will  undoubtedly  agree  ,with  the  writer  in 
opinion,  that  each  Christian  church  ought  to  bury  the 
bodies  of  her  poor  members,  besides  affording  support 
to  the  orphan  children  which  have  been  baptized  within 
her  temples.* 

Had  the  present  Assistant  Bishop  known  their  circum- 
stances, it  is  certain,  from  the  benevolence  of  his  charac- 
ter, that  he  would  have  given  assistance  to  the  fatherless. 
May  it  not  be  presumed,  that  in  future  the  large  funds  of 
the  Trinity  church  will  afford  a  grave  for  those,  at  least, 
who  are  in  full  communion  with  her,  and  die  in  poverty? 
Before  she  builds  any  more  churches  abroad,  will  she  not 

*  It  is  understood,  that  this  lad  received  assistance,  when  almost 
naked,  and  without  shoes,  in  the  frosty  weather  of  October  following, 
from  the  president  of  the  Dorcas  Society,  Mrs.  J.B.  Romeyn  and  Mrs. 
P.  Wilson,  who  dehght  in  doing  good  to  the  poor  of  every  denomina- 
tion. She  who  gives  a  cup  of  cold  water  to  the  thirsty,  from  love  to 
Jesus,  shall  in  nowise  lose  her  reward. 


VISITS   OF   MERCY.  193 

make  provision  for  the  guardianship  of  all  her  helpless 
children?  I  am  persuaded  that  Bishop  Hobaht  and  the 
Vestry  will  enlarge  their  establishment  of  a  Charity 
School,  until  it  shall  bear  some  proportion  to  their  funds, 
and  to  the  number  of  their  baptized  children.  Hitherto 
the  provision  made  by  the  Reformed  Dutch,  Presbyterian, 
and  Methodist  churches  in  this  city,  has  been  much  more 
ample,  in  proportion  to  their  destitute  children.  The 
good  among  the  Episcopalians  will  not  blush  to  take  an 
example  from  their  Presbyterian  neighbours. 


September  2'2nd. 

In  descending  the  stairs  of  the  alms-house,  the  Irish 
woman  met  me,  of  whom  I  have  given  some  account  un- 
der date  of  April  21st.  She  had  in  her  hands  two  pails 
of  water,  which  her  feeble  frame  could  scarcely  support; 
for  she  is  still  pale,  thin,  neat,  and  humble.  Setting  them 
down,  she  said,  in  a  manner  which  invited  condolence, 
**  Ah,  siri  and  I  have  lost  my  little  child;  the  youngest 
one." 

'*  Possibly,"  said  the  writer,  *'God  may  have  taken 
away  your  infant  from  the  evil  to  come.  Possibly  God 
has  taken  him  to  a  better  world,  and  made  him  glorious 
in  Christ.  Had  the  child  lived,  it  might  have  become 
miserably  wicked.  That  infants  are  saved,  we  have  pre- 
sumptive evidence,  for  Jesus  said,  *  of  such  is  the  king- 
dom of  heaven;'  and  again,  'it  is  not  the  will  of  your 
Father  which  is  in  heaven,  that  one  of  these  little  ones 
should  perish.'  These  sentences  were  uttered  when  little 
children  were  in  Christ's  presence,  and  although  the  last 
comprehends  all  persons  who  become,  from  conversion, 

VOL.  r.  R 


194  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

like  little  children,  yet  there  is  reason  to  suppose  that  he 
intended  to  be  literally  understood.  '  The  kingdom  of 
God,'  of  which  infants  are  said  to  be  members,  must  im- 
ply, either  the  church  on  earth,  or  the  church  in  heaven, 
or  both.  If  they  belong  to  both,  or  to  the  church  above, 
their  salvation  is  positively  asserted:  but  if  they  belong 
to  the  church  on  earth,  it  is  probable  that  they  will  not, 
when  taken  away  in  infancy,  fail  of  eternal  life. 

:  "David  comforted  himself,  when  he  said  concerning 
the  child  of  Bathsheba,  'I  shall  go  to  it;*  and  assuredly 
he  did  not  expect  to  meet  the  child  in  hell.  Of  one  thing, 
at  least,  you  may  be  certain,  that  God  doth  not  willingly 
afflict  nor  grieve  the  children  of  men.  Remember,  that 
if  God  has  taken  away  one  child,  he  has  preserved  three." 
Sfe>answered,  **  indeed  he  has,  sir,  but  they  are 
sickly." 

Soon  after  this  woman's  recovery,  I  saw  her  near  the 
battery.  The  child  which  is  now  dead  was  then  in  her 
arms,  and  the  other  three  were  standing  beside  her.  All 
of  them  were  sickly,  in  appearance,  like  the  plants  which 
suffer  for  the  v/ant  of  air  and  light.  In  this  situation,  she 
remained  nearly  half  the  day,  in  expectation  of  seeing 
her  husband.  He  was  on  board  "  the  President,"  a  ship 
at  anchor  in  the  river,  and  she  had  sent  a  request  to  see 
him,  by  one  of  the  naval  officers.  It  was  her  design  to 
obtain  of  him  half  his  pay,  that  she  might  leave  the  alms- 
house, and  support  her  children.  -'Could  we  live,"  said 
the  woman,  "in  the  fresh  air,  we  should  be  well  again." 
The  husband  came  not;  and  weakness  with  hunger  drove 
her  back  to  languish  with  the  multitude. 

Before  I  commenced  the  public  worship  of  the  evening, 
ail    aged  woman    said,  with   weeping,    which    continued 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  195 

during  the  whole  service,  "  the  conflicts  of  a  poor  sinner 
are  very  many  and  great  in  this  life;  and  especially  those 
which  arise  from  our  own  wickedness." 

Blind  Sofa,  who  has  lately  been  severely  troubled  about 
the  concerns  of  her  soul,  was  led  to  the  preacher,  by  her 
request,  after  sermon,  and  with  out-stretched  hands,  said, 
*'  O!  you  pe  de  mem:  God  sen  you  to  me;  Godpless  you, 
dear  man.  He  do  <pless  you:  he  pless  yon  lo  de  soul  of  poor 
sinner,'''^  If  this  is  the  truth,  (and  when  I  think  of  the 
divine  power  and  grace  I  cannot  doubt  it,)  it  is  the 
preacher  who  has  most  occasion  to  bless  the  Lord,  saying, 
*'  not  unto  me;  not  unto  me,  O  Lord;  but  to  thy  name  and 
the  atonement  of  Christ  be  all  the  glory." 


September  ^Ath. 

A  DUPLICATE  of  the  letter  to  Mrs.  Martha  Stillwell,  was 
to-day  forwarded,  with  a  note  to  the  post-master  in  Guild- 
hall, which  entreated  him  to  ascertain  if  any  such  person 
as  was  addressed  could  be  found  in  the  vicinity  of  his  of- 
fice. She  must  be  dead,  or  has  removed,  or  there  is 
some  deception  in  the  affair. 

Yesterday  died  in  the  alms-house,  A T ,  the 

well  informed  Scotch-Irish  girl,  who  said  to  her  misera- 
ble companions,  a  few  moments  before  she  expired,  **  if 
Jesus  is  ready  to  receive  me,  I  am  ready  to  die.^^ 

A  few  days  since,  departed  also  the  maiden  lady  who 
protected  the  soldier.  Better  was  the  day  of  her  death 
than  of  her  birth. 


September  27th, 
In  the  alms-house,  a  female  of  only  fifteen  years  of  age, 


196  VISITS   OF  MERCY. 

a  native  of  Ireland,  who  has  lately  heard  tlie  writer 
preach,  desired  to  converse  with  him.  She  had  been 
observed  to  weep,  and  to-day  her  tears  fell  on  the  face  of 
a  sweet  infant  which  slumbered  on  her  lap.  It  was  fair 
and  round,  like  its  little  mother^  who,  unfortunate  thing! 
was  sold  and  deceived.  Not  twelve  months  ago,  she  and 
her  parents  arrived  in  this  country,  and  were  sold  far 
their  passage.  This  child,  then  thoughtless,  was  pur- 
chased by  a  young  countryman,  who  pretended  to  love 
her,  and  finally  deserted  her, 

" push'd  her  from  shore, 

And  launch'd  her  into  life  without  an  oar. " 

She  was  so  deeply  afflicted  in  soul,  that  she  could  say 
but  little;  and  I  left  her  without  knowing  to  what  ques- 
tion in  particular  she  desired  an  answer. 

The  greater  part  of  persons,  when  seduced  from  the 
path  of  virtue,  are  very  young.     I  have  just  prayed  in  the 

ward  in  which  A T died,  and  saw  in  one  narrow 

bed  two  blooming  females,  one  of  whom  had  lived  fifteen, 
and  the  other  only  thirteen  suns. 

September  29th. 

This  morning  Richard  Neal,  of  whom  some  account  is 
givenunder  date  of  August  1 9th,  departed  this  life  for  a  bet- 
ter. He  possessed  but  little  knowledge,  yet  it  was  of  the 
right  kind,  it  was  evangelical,  it  was  practical.  Extreme 
pain  of  body,  long  continued,  he  bore  without  repining, 
with  truly  Christian  fortitude.  Concerning  this  black 
man,  the  mighty  might  say,  the  honourable  and  the'afflu- 
ent  might  say,  *'let  us  die  the  death  of  the  justified  person, 
and  let  our  last  end  be  like  his," 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  197 

The  young  mother  listened  to  the  word  of  God,  with 
much  apparent  contrition,  and  profound  attention. 

An  aged  man  who  cannot  live  but  a  few  days,  and  who 
will  perhaps  die  in  a  few  hours,  said,  on  my  approach  to 
his  bed,  "  /am  all  but  in  the  eternal  world:  lam  on  the  verge 
of  time  and  eternity:  but  my  conscience  is  at  peace  with  God, 
and  I  am  perfectly  quiet  about  myself  " 

**  Do  you  think  then,"  it  was  demanded,  "that  you 
have  no  sin?" 

**  No,  no!  thafs  not  my  meaning;  but  God  has  pardoned  me, 
and  given  me  peace  through  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  that's 
the  reason  I  say  my  conscience  is  quiet*  Pm  going  to  the  eternal 
world,  and  I  wish  your  prayers,  I  wish  the  prayers  of  all 
God's  people. '^ 

We  addressed  the  throne  of  grace  together;  and  then 
he  resumed  the  conversation,  which  continued  in  a  solemn 
and  rational  strain  for  some  time.  Not  a  thought  of  his 
being  a  lunatic  entered  my  mind,  until  I  was  leaving  him; 
Avhen,  putting  a  paper  into  my  hands,  he  said,  '*  I  die  in 
peace  with  men:  I  wish  them  all  well,  and  hope  God  will 
forgive  them;  but  I  wish  the  world  to  know  how  I  came 
to  the  alms-house."  The  writing,  which  has  this  caption, 
*' villany  unpunished,"  and  which  states,  that  in  1797  he 
was  robbed  of  his  personal  property  and  real  estate,  by 
some  of  the  most  respectable  citizens,  he  desired  me  to 
present  to  the  governor  of  the  state.  The  writing  con- 
cludes with  these  words:  "now,  fellow-citizens,  I  am 
thankful  to  you  for  all  the  hospitable  institutions  that  you 
have  provided  for  all  them  that  labour  under  distressing 
circumstances;  but  I  have  to  regret  that  I  have  been  swin- 
dled out  of  my  property,  and  kept  out  of  it  until  this  time, 

R  2 


198  VISITS   OF   MERCY. 

beings  September  17th,  1811,  which  renders  me  an  object 
for  the  alms-house." 

Gratitude  may  occupy  a  mind,  partially  deranged;  and 
if  piety  exists  previously  to  insanity,  we  ought  not  to  sup- 
pose that  the  severe  judgment  warrants  any  unfavourable 
conclusion  concerning  the  soul's  condition  in  the  future  life. 

October  5  th. 

Caroline  is  afflicted  with  a  new,  but  not  disgraceful 
complaint,  which  requires  surgical  assistance.  She  can- 
not bear  any  conversation  about  her  mother.  To  augment 
her  troubles,  the  women  attempt  to  make  her  believe  that 
she  will  be  sent  to  the  alms-house,  among  the  incurable 
persons. 

I  told  an  aged  sailor,  whose  flesh  has  vanished,  and  of 
whom  little  remains  but  skin  and  bones,  what  I  thought 
of  his  situation;  for  I  feel  bound  to  Warn  the  dying  of  their 
danger,  even  at  the  expense  of  my  own  feelings  and  their 
approbation.  Religious  instruction  had  no  more  visible 
effect  than  is  produced  by  the  wind  upon  polished  marble. 
There  was  nothing  which  evinced  life;  no,  not  a  shrub, 
nor  even  moss  upon  the  rock,  which  could  be  moved.  He 
asserted  that  he  prayed  in  his  thoughts;  but  when  the 
nurse  asked  him,  *'  if  the  minister  should  pray  with  him," 
he  answered,  ''no." 

Since  the  19th  of  June,  I  have  had  frequent  intercourse 
with  the  young  sailor  who  was  excited  to  religious  inquiry 
by  my  conversation  with  H — on.*  Now  he  is  almost 
white  as  a  sheet,  and  the  writer  said,  "  friend,  you  cannot 
regain  your  wonted  colour." 

•  See  date  of  June  19th. 


VISITS   OF  MERCY.  199 

*'  No,  sir:  and  I  fear  [never  shall,  for  I  grow  weaker.  But 
still  I  hope  to  recover." 

'*  You  must  be  prepared  for  death  at  all  times,  for  it 
will  come  when  God  sends  it.'* 

"  //  is  my  daily  prayer^  that  I  may  he  ready;  and  I  want 
to  hear  you  preach  again,  hut  my  cough  prevents  me  from 
hearing,  and  would  disturb  others.''^ 

"Then  you  must  read  the  Bible,  for  that  contains  the 
gospel." 

^^1  did  till  lately:  hut  now  my  eyes  are  so  dim,  that  after  I 
have  read  two  or  three  lines,  it  is  all  like  one  word.^^ 

"  Then  others  must  read  to  you,  and  you  must  pray. 
It  gives  me  pleasure  to  find  any  sinner  willing  to  pray: 
but  I  asked  one  of  the  patients  below,  if  he  prayed,  and 
he ." 

"^?/e,  sir!  all  the  sick  will  tell  you  that  they  pray,  and  I 
hope  they  do;  but  if  they  don't  pray  in  heart,  it  an't  good  for 
nothing,  I  take  it." 

*' Are  you  not  ashamed  to  talk  so  much  about  religion, 
before  your  acquaintance?  Do  not  some  of  them  laugh 
at  you?" 

"  Why,  they  tell  me  I  am  growing  mighty  good,  4'c.y  but 
I  wish  I  was.  If  I  could  be  really  a  Christian,  't'an't  I  that 
would  keer  what  they  say. " 


October  20th. 

**EviL  men  and  seducers  shall  wax  worse  and  worse, 
deceiving  and  being  deceived."  2  Tim.  iii.  13.  There 
is  a  regular  progression  of  sinful  men  from  bad  to  worse. 
An  obdurate  offender  once  said,  that  he  should  melt  no 


200  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

sooner  than  his  companions  in  the  focus  of  divine  wrath; 
and  a  man  whom  I  have  often  reproved,  has  told  me  re- 
peatedly, and  with  solemnity,  too,  '^  that  he  expected  to 
go  to  hell;  but  this  was  his  consolation,  that  he  could  en- 
dure the  fierceness  of  God's  wrath  as  well  as  any  man,  for 
he  was  tough  as  any  damned  being."  A  woman,  (yes,  a 
woman!)  of  this  description,  I  have  seen  to-day,  who  is 
infected,  but  says  that "  she  has  been  seven  years  in  the  pro- 
fessional business, has  never  been  caught  before,  and,  since 
she  took  up  her  trade  to  get  a  living,  she  is  determined  to 
die  in  it." 

October  27th. 

Ever  since  the  13th  instant,  George  has  been  sick,  and 
our  psalmody  indifferent;  but  to-day  he  resumed  his  office. 
During  his  fever  I  frequently  visited  and  assisted  him; 
and  now  he  has  arisen  to  reward  me,  by  affording  plea- 
sure to  the  congregation  of  the  poor. 


October  28 fh. 

While  I  was  speaking  to  one  of  the  lost  females  of  the 
hospital,  another  said,  "Mr.  Ely,  Mr.  Ely,  I  want  to 
speak  with  you." 

Her  dying  body  was  so  offensive  as  to  give  great  disquiet 
to  the  organs  of  sense;  but  I  drew  near  and  asked,  '*  what 
do  you  wish?" 

^'I've  been  long  wishing  to  speak  with  you,"  she  said, 
but  could  not  proceed.  Her  face  was  so  thin,  that  when 
the  nerves  and  muscles  were  affected  by  that  emotion 
which  commonly  produces  weeping,  it  was  covered  with 


TISITS  OF  MERCY.  201 

wrinkles,  and  looked  horribly  grim.  She  could  not  weep, 
for  the  fountains  were  all  dry.  Before  I  left  her,  she  said, 
*  *  0  pray,  pray  for '* 

"  For  what  shall  I  pray?" 

**  That  God  would  bring  me  into  his  everlasting  salvation.** 


October  3Qth. 

Yesterday  I  visited  again  the  dying  prostitute,  and 
every  individual  of  her  room  seemed  afflicted  by  her  dis- 
tress. Her  body  is  literally  consumed,  while  her  life  re- 
mains. To-day  Dr.  Proudfit  went  with  me  to  the  hospital, 
and  offered  prayers  in  four  rooms.  We  saw  the  same 
young  woman  again,  and  this  dialogue  followed. 

JDr.  P.  *'  Have  you  any  hope?'* 

Pros.  "Some  feeble  hope,  sir." 

Dr.  P.  *'  Well,  and  what  is  the  ground  of  your  hope?" 

Proa.  **The  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

Dr.  P.  "  Where  is  he  now  ?" 

Pros.  **In  heaven." 

Dr.  P.  "  What  is  he  doing  there?" 

Pros.  "  Glorifying  God,  his  Father." 

Dr.  P.  "Yes,  ,.ad  interceding  for  perishing  sinners." 

Pros.  "  O,  I  hope  he  pleads  for  me!" 

Dr.  P.  "  You  need  not  fear  to  trust  him,  for  he  died  for 
sinners;  and  he  says,  come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labour  and 
are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest."  The  doctor  add- 
ed many  similar  quotations,  to  her  great  encouragement. 


November  3d. 
Rebecca,  who  buried  her  mother,  has  lately  been  mar- 


202  VISITS   OF  MEUCY. 

ried  to  a  young  and  reputable  man,  a  currier,  to  whom 
she  was  engaged  before  the  death  of  her  parent. 

In  one  ward  of  the  alms-house,  several  have  lately  died 
of  the  typhus  fever.  Soon  after  I  preached  there  on  the 
last  sabbath  morning,  one  who  heard  me,  gave  up  the 
ghost,  whose  corpse,  to  gratify  friends,  or  for  some  other 
reason,  was  suffered  to  remain  in  the  room,  full  of  sick 
persons,  until  Monday.  On  the  day  of  its  removal,  the 
nurse,  a  faithful  attendant  on  the  deceased,  and  a  pious 
woman,  was  seized  with  the  same  malady.  It  was  pain- 
ful, indeed,  to  see  one  laid  low,  who  had  been  serviceable 
to  multitudes^  and  affecting  to  behold  the  most  respecta- 
ble of  the  poor  flocking  around  her,  to  mingle  tears  and 
prayers  for  her  recovery. 

To  a  serious  woman,  whom  I  have  known  for  some 
weeks,  and  who  is  dying  in  the  same  ward,  I  said,  **  you 
seem  almost  gone." 

*'Yes,  sirj  I  shall  go  soon,"  was  her  reply,  *'but  I 
cannot  hasten  the  time.  Sometimes  I  am  almost  impa- 
tient to  be  gone,  that  I  may  be  with  Jesus,  but  I  must  wait 
my  appointed  time,  and  he  will  come  soon." 

At  the  commencement  of  public  worship  this  morning, 
I  was  requested  so  soon  as  possible  to  come  and  pray 
with  two  persons,  who  have  been  my  constant  hearers. 
After  sermon  I  went;  but  one  was  deadj  and  her  coffin, 
half  full  of  pine  shavings,  for  her  bed,  was  on  the  floor, 
beside  the  lifeless  body. 

The  girl  with  whom  Dr.  Proudfit  conversed  has  entered 
the  eternal  world.  While  the  patients  in  the  hospital 
were  praising  God,  this  afternoon,  a  man  in  the  opposite 
room  awoke,  and  asked,  ''what  singing  is  that?"  In 
half  an  hour  after  I  was  with  him,  and  he  breathed  his 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  203 

last  in  my  presence,  while  I  commented  upon  the  scene, 
and  sought  to  prepare  the  beholders  for  the  exchange  of 
worlds.  A  man  was  the  preacher,  but  God  made  an  im- 
mediate, practical  application  of  the  discourse. 


November  7th, 

To  detect  deception  in  one  whose  happiness  has  been 
industriously  sought,  is  painful.  Detection,  however,  of 
every  imposture,  is  desirable. 

To-day,  I  have  received  a  very  polite  letter  from  the 
post-master  in  Guildhall,  which  states,  that  the  letters  to 
Mrs.  Martha  Stillwell,  have  been  duly  advertised,  that 
diligent  inquiries  for  such  a  person  have  been  made,  and 
that  no  such  person  resides  either  in  that  town  or  its  vi- 
cinity. This  letter  was  enclosed  and  presented  to  Caro- 
line, with  another,  of  which  the  following  is  a 

COPY. 

"  New  lorkj  Nov,  7th,  1811. 
"  Caroline, 

"  You  must  know  that  I  feel  deeply  interested  in  your 
temporal  and  eternal  welfare.  You  have  received  a  few 
favours,  without  knowing  whence  they  came,  and  they 
were  intended  as  pledges  of  future  services.  I  am  still 
ready  to  promote  your  welfare.  But  you  must  permit 
me  to  deal  plainly  as  well  as  kindly  with  you. 

''  Long  have  I  perceived,  that  to  hear  me  speak  of  ex- 
pecting a  letter  from  your  mother  gave  you  pain.  You 
have  deceived  mej  but  remember  that  I  can  forgive,  and 
forget.  Yea,  I  could  plead  some  extenuation  of  your 
crime,  for  it  was  with  reluctance  that  you  consented  to 
my  addressing  your  mother.    Believe  me  still  your  friend. 


204  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

if  you  repent.  You  have  done  evil  in  this  affair.  You 
should  be  sorry,  not  so  much  that  you  have  wronged  me, 
as  that  you  have  displeased  God.  You  are  a  young  wo- 
man too  well  instructed,  not  to  know  your  mother's  name, 
and  the  town,  county,  and  state  of  her  residence.  I  be- 
seech you,  then,  to  give  me  a  true  account,  and  I  will  not 
needlessly  expose  you,  or  the  address  of  your  mother.  If 
you  will  permit  me  to  write  to  her,  this  deception  shall 
not  be  published  to  the  patients,  who  have  anticipated 
your  second  fall.  Trust  in  me  still,  and  if  others  will  not 
assist  you,  I  will,  so  long  as  you  evince  hatred  of  your  past 
misconduct.  As  you  value  your  immortal  soul,  tell  me 
the  whole  truth,  or  nothing.  Tell  me  your  name,  your 
wants,  your  trials  in  relation  to  your  friends,  and  you 
will  find  me  one  who  can  pity  and  pardon  a  thousand 
times.  A  second  deception  will  not  answer.  The  past 
shall  be  as  though  it  had  not  been.  With  God  there  is 
mercy.  O  may  you  fly  to  him  for  the  pardon  of  every  sin? 
*'  Your  friend,  who,  under  Christ,  would  be  your  pre- 
server from  misery  and  hell." 

November  9th. 

The  matron  of  the  hospital  sent  me  word,  that  notwith- 
standing all  her  remonstrances,  Caroline  was  determined 
to  leave  the  hospital  before  she  was  sufBciently  restored, 
to  quit  the  city.  My  remonstrances  were  added,  and  she 
was  solemnly  warned  against  returning  to  the  abodes  of 
ill  fame;  for  there  no  one  could  counsel,  or  exhort,  or 
assist  her;  there  her  companions  would  entice;  and  there 
want  might,  in  some  sense,  be  said  to  compel.  No  other 
family  would  receive  a  female  stranger,  and  she  was  des- 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  205 

titute  of  the  means  of  providing  for  herself.  She  cried 
like  a  child,  but  would  not  turn  her  face  away  from  the 
wall.  In  a  conversation  of  more  than  an  hour,  she  did 
not  once  look  on  the  speaker.  She  must  leave  the  hospi- 
tal, she  said,  but  was  firmly  resolved  never  to  return  to 
past  iniquity.  This  testimony  concerning  her  resolutions 
could  not  be  accredited  by  any  one,  in  case  of  her  depar- 
ture! and  I  told  her  that  I  should  consider  her  discharge 
from  the  hospital,  a  voluntary  plunge  into  the  pit  of  de- 
struction. 


November  lOM. 

Yesterday,  in  the  afternoon,  crying  and  trembling,  the 
foolish  Caroline  left  her  safe  asylum.  Whither  she  went 
I  know  not;  but  disappointed  as  we  all  are,  who  sought 
her  restoration,  with  this  we  may  comfort  ourselves,  that 
in  some  feeble  manner  we  have  imitated  him  who  came 
from  heaven  to  seek  the  lost. 

Patty,*  a  poor  girl,  who  has  been  in  the  hospital  many 
months,  and  who  has  conducted  with  perfect  propriety, 
says,  **0  that  I  could  have  similar  proposals  of  protec- 
tion." For  months  she  has  dreaded  nothing  so  much  as 
the  thought  of  being  discharged  from  the  hospital  with- 
out the  means  of  subsistence. 

An  assurance  that  she  should  not  be  compelled  to  re- 
turn to  a  house  of  bad  fame,  while  I  could  command  a 
dollar,  she  received  with  a  courtesy,  a  tear,  and  the  de- 
claration, that  she  felt  herself  unworthy  of  such  kindness. 

November  14M. 
Early  on  Monday  morning,  the  II th  instant,  I  went  to 
•  See  date  of  May  26th. 

VOL.   I.  S 


206  VISITS  OF  MEKCY. 

Long-Island,  and  did  not  return  until  this  evening.  Im- 
mediately on  my  arrival  my  brother  invited  me  to  go  with 
him  and  see  a  sick  woman.  Reluctantly'!  went  a  mile, 
and  whom  should  I  see  but  Caroline!  Never  did  I  ex- 
pect to  see  her  face  again;  but  now  I  found  her  in  a  decent 
house,  under  the  care  of  a  worthy  woman,  whose  husband 
was  present.  The  circumstances  which  led  to  this  meet- 
ing were  these. 

My  brother,  lately  returned  from  England,  had  accom- 
panied me  to  the  hospital,  on  the  sabbath,  at  different 
times,  and  there  had  seen  Caroline  in  tears.  What  I  sup- 
posed to  be  her  history  I  had  told  him;  and  on  the  10th 
made  him  acquainted  with  her  departure,  saying  that  I 
considered  her  lost  for  ever. 

On  the  same  morning  that  I  went  to  Long-Island,  my 
brother,  in  walking  the  streets,  saw  Caroline  weeping  at 
a  window.  She  knew  him  not;  and  he  entered  the  house 
with  the  intention  of  ascertaining  whether  she  were  aban- 
doned in  principle.  He  requested  to  see  her  alone.  She 
refused,  saying  that  she  had  been  vile,  but  she  would 
hereafter  see  no  gentleman  alone.  Her  female  compa- 
nions entreated  her  to  comply,  alleging  that  she  was  in 
want  of  money,  and  had  earned  nothing  since  her  return. 
She  absolutely  refused  to  speak  with  him,  in  any  other 
place  than  before  company.  He  had  now  gained  the  in- 
formation which  he  desired,  and  presented  to  her  his  card. 

'*  Are  you  his  brother?" 

«Yes." 

'*  And  have  you  come  to  assist  me?" 

He  assured  her  that  he  had  come  for  that  purpose  alone, 
and  would  seek  her  decent  lodgings,  if  she  would  prefer 
them  to  her  present  abode.     She  had  returned  to  the  house 


VISITS    OF    MERCY.  207 

whence  she  went,  when  received  at  the  hospital;  but  she 
protested  that  she  had  not  returned  from  any  disposition 
to  live  dishonestly.  No  other  house  could  she  find  for  a 
shelter,  and  here  she  expected  to  get  well,  that  she  might 
go  home. 

**  But  you  deceived  my  brother,  and  the  governors  of 
the  hospital,"  he  said. 

On  this  subject  she  could  have  desired  silence;  but  she 
confessed,  that  she  had  borne  a  fictitious  name  in  the  city. 
Aside  from  this,  she  had  rather  suffered  the  minister  to  be 
deceived^  than  actually  deceived  him;  for  her  mother's 
name  was  Martha,  and  she  did  live  in  Guildhall.  **  He 
concluded  that  my  mother's  name  was  Stillwell,  because  I 
went  by  that  surname."  She  then  made  my  brother  ac- 
quainted with  her  own  and  her  parent's  real  name,  and 
present  place  of  residence.  Still  she  insisted  that  she  had 
been  seduced  from  a  boarding-school;  but  more  of  her 
history  could  not  willingly  relate. 

After  these  disclosures  and  professions  of  repentance 
for  her  misconduct,  my  brother  determined  to  seek  for 
her  a  better  home.  After  several  unsuccessful  attempts, 
he  met  Mr.  Joseph  George,  and  stated  the  whole  affair. 
This  young  gentleman  procured  for  her,  whom  I  shall 
still  call  Caroline,  her  present  asylum,  and  went  with  my 
brother  to  remove  her  from  the  gates  of  hell. 

This  evening  I  demanded  of  her,  "  why  did  you  leave 
the  hospital?"  She  could  not  endure,  she  said,  to  see 
those  who  had  treated  her  kindly,  and  whom  she  had  de- 
ceived. She  expected,  moreover,  that  the  patients,  who 
were  always  threatening  her  with  the  alms-house,  would 
reproach  her  more  bitterly  than  ever.  This  did  not  ex- 
cuse her  from  censure,  mingled,  nevertheless,  with  exhor- 
tation and  compassion. 


208  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

November  \6th. 

Mr.  George,  and  many  others,  have  long  been  revolv- 
ing in  their  minds  the  plan  of  a  Magdalen  Asylumj  and 
the  adventure  in  which  he  has  lately  been  engaged,  has 
given  such  a  spur  to  his  feelings,  and  such  a  tale  to  excite 
compassion,  that  the  exertions  of  this  young  man  will 
probably  found  the  desired  institution.  Nothing  is  ne- 
cessary but  zeal  to  give  the  thing  a  commencement. 

Should  Caroline  be  lost  for  ever,  her  history,  whether 
true  or  false,  may  be  employed  by  divine  Providence,  so 
that  it  shall  become  the  means  of  salvation  to  many.  At 
present,  Dr.  John  C.  Osborne,  one  of  the  physicians  of 
the  hospital,  very  humanely  attends  upon  her  without 
money  and  without  price. 

December  11th. 

Since  others  have  taken  the  charge  of  Caroline,  I  have 
gladly  witnessed  their  exertions,  and,  to  encourage  those 
who  cannot  bring  their  minds  to  assist  deceivers,  have 
travelled,  going  and  returning,  more  than  three  hundred 
and  fifty  miles,  that  I  might  visit  her  mother.  When 
drawing  near  the  place  in  which  I  expected  to  find  the 
object  of  my  search,  some  affirmed  that  there  was,  and 
others  that  there  was  not,  such  a  being  in  existence.  At 
my  arrival  in  the  town,  a  gentleman  of  distinction,  Mr. 
Knickerbocker,  received  me  at  dinner;  and  the  afternoon 
was  spent  in  fruitless  inquiries,  from  house  to  house. 
Some  knew  the  woman,  and  others  did  not.  The  sun  had 
descended,  and  hope  almost  failed  me,  when  I  strolled  for 
the  distance  of  a  mile  or  two  into  a  pine  wood.  It  was 
dark  and  the  path  muddy.     At  a  distance  I  saw  a  light. 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  209 

which  proceeded  from  a  log-house.  This  I  entered,  and 
saw  some  children,  naked  almost  as  they  were  born,  sleep- 
ing in  the  ashes.  Of  the  mother  I  demanded  if  she  knew 
the  family  which  I  sought  to  find.  She  didj  and  asked 
if  I  were  a  son,  for,  said  she,  "  the  woman  had  a  son  who 
favours  you;  and  he  lives  away."  She  gave  me  such  di- 
rections, that  the  next  morning,  before  it  was  light,  I 
galloped  away  many  miles  from  the  house  of  my  honoura- 
ble host;  and  before  the  sun  had  arisen  from  the  moun- 
tains, I  saw  the  mother  of  Caroline.  The  resemblance 
in  their  features  assured  me  that  there  could  be  no  mis- 
take. The  mother  was  carding  cotton  in  an  old-fashioned 
farm-house;  and  had  every  appearance  of  the  decent  pover- 
ty of  one  who  had  seen  happier  days. 

Before  I  discovered  my  business,  she  told  me  the  num- 
ber and  circumstances  of  her  children,  which  perfectly 
corresponded  with  the  account  given  by  Caroline.  ^'But 
where  is  your  youngest  daughter?"  With  tears  the  mother 
said  she  did  not  know.  *'  She  was  at  a  boarding-school, 
kept  by  a  teacher  in  the  Methodist  connexion,  and  she 
was  enticed  away.  I've  heard  she  was  married;  and  I've 
heard  she  was  dead.     Do  you  know  any  thing  about  her?" 

The  intelligence  was  like  news  from  the  dead.  The 
mother  wept,  and  laughed,  and  sighed,  and  wrung  her 
hands,  and  wondered  her  daughter  did  not  return. 

When  I  described  the  interview  to  Caroline,  she  disco- 
vered almost  as  much  frenzy  of  affection  as  her  mother. 
Still  it  remains  uncertain  whether  they  will  ever  meet 
again:  but  of  this  I  am  certain,  that  the  mother  would 
gladly  embrace  a  long-lost  child.* 

•  The  curiosity  of  the  reader  has  some  claim  to  be  gratified,  by  a 
narration  of  some  subsequent  events,  which  relate  to  Caroline.     In  the 

s  2 


210  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

December  12/A. 

A  YOUNG  man  who  has  cut  his  throat,  but  who  is  now 
rational,  signified  his  desire  that  the  writer  should  pray 
for  him.     What  occasioned  his  attempt  at  suicide  is  un- 

beginning  of  the  year  1812,  "  the  Magdalen  Society  of  New-York" 
was  organized,  of  which  Peter  Wilson^  L.  L.  D.  was  President^  John 
Murray  J  Jan.  Vice-President,  Thomas  L.  Ogden,  Secretary,  John  Aspin- 
wally  Treasurer;  and  DivieBethune,  Abraham  Russel,  John  Cauldwell, 
Leonard  Bleeker,  J.  Yj.  Caldwell,  Robert  Gosman,  Thomas  Harvey, 
James  Bleeker,  Nicholas  Fish,  John  Withington,  Jacob  Delamontagne, 
Samuel  Harris,  Zechariah  Lewis,  Samuel  Boyd,  Joseph  Smith,  Nathan 
Comstock,  and  J.  P.  Mumford,  are  Managers.  The  standing  com- 
mittee, who  have  the  power  delegated  to  them,  afforded  Caroline  a 
temporary  asylum,  and  afterwards,  since  her  last  complaint  required  it, 
removed  her  to  the  hospital  for  cure.  No  accommodations  in  the 
house  of  a  poor  person,  or  of  one  in  mediocrity,  can  equal  those  of  the 
hospital.  It  was  a  kindness,  therefore,  to  bring  her  back  to  the  insti- 
tution from  which  she  fled. 

About  the  beginning  of  June,  1812,  a  woman,  advanced  in  life,  ap- 
peared on  the  sabbath  at  the  gate  of  the  hospital,  and  requested  ad- 
mittance. Visiters  on  the  sabbath  are  excluded,  and  she  was  therefore 
denied.  She  entreated  that  she  might  at  least  see  the  preacher.  He 
went  to  the  gate,  knew  her  face,  and  understood,  without  any  expla- 
nation, her  business.  For  three  days  she  had  been  seeking  in  the  city 
for  the  person  who  sought  her  among  the  mountains. 

**  Come  in,  come  in " 

'*  After  I  have  heard  you  preach,"  she  said,  "I  should  be  glad  to 
learn  of  you " 

**  Yes,  yes,  you  shall  see  the  person,"  the  preacher  said,  and  leading 
the  way,  pointed  her  to  the  room  in  which  he  was  to  officiate.  She 
entered,  and  sat  down  on  a  bench,  at  the  foot  of  the  bed  on  which  her 
daughter  lay.  In  a  moment  their  eyes  met;  and  Oh!  what  a  meeting 
was  that!  It  was  too  sudden  and  unexpected.  They  wept  together; 
and  when  the  preacher  commenced  public  worship,  the  poor  old  wo- 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  21  1 

known.  He  is  an  American,  who  was  impressed  on  board 
a  British  ship  of  war,  but  obtained  his  pay  and  a  discharge 
in  August  of  the  present  year.  He  had  been  in  this  city 
but  a  few  days,  before  he  delivered  his  money  into  the 
hands  of  his  landlord,  and  perpetrated  the  deed  against 
his  own  flesh. 

The  writer  conversed  also  with  P —  G — ,  a  man  of  mid- 
dle age,  who  seems  to  have  been  seriously  aroused  from 
spiritual  lethargy,  while  in  the  hospital. 


December  13M. 

This  evening  the  suicide  became  furious  against  him- 
selfj  said  he  might  as  well  die  now  as  confess  his  sins  to 

man  was  still  bending  over  her  weeping  child.  Yea,  during  the  whole 
service,  the  mother  would  walk  before  the  bed  of  her  daughter,  cry, 
wring  her  hands,  look  at  the  preacher,  and  then  her  child,  smile,  and 
sob  again.  She  would  have  taken  Caroline  home  with  her;  but  the 
state  of  her  health  would  not  then  permit.  She  has  since  been  restor- 
ed to  soundness,  and  has  returned  to  her  afflicted  parent. 

What  will  become  of  this  miserably  seduced  person,  remains  to  be 
decided  by  her  own  conduct.  She  may  continue  to  behave  well,  and 
she  may  fall  more  basely  than  ever.  Over  her  real  name,  and  perhaps 
all  the  future,  should  it  be  known  to  the  writer,  it  will  be  best  to  draw 
the  vail  of  night.  It  is  sufficient,  that  the  influence  of  her  history  in 
giving  rise  to  the  Magdalen  Society,  has  already  been  exhibited. 
Should  that  institution  be  conducted  on  the  principles  of  similar  cha- 
rities in  Europe,  it  will  undoubtedly  be  productive  of  much  good.  It 
has  already  received  Patty,  and  some  others.  Should  the  members 
merely  save  an  individual  annually,  their  labours  would  not  be  without 
an  adequate  reward  in  the  present  life.  Let  it  never  be  forgotten, 
that  Jesus  kindly  instructed  the  woman  of  Samaria,  who  was  living  in 
an  illicit  connexion;  and  that  publicans  and  harlots  enter  the  kingdom 
of  heaven,  while  multitudes  of  the  censorious  are  excluded. 


212  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

a  court,  and  be  hung;  and  made  such  vigorous  exertions, 
that  four  men  could  not  prevent  him  from  tearing  open 
his  wounds,  that  he  might  rush  upon  the  judgment  of 
Jehovah. 


December  ]6th. 

A  YOUNG  man,  who  has  heard  me  preach  for  many 
weeks  in  the  hospital,  who  was  convalescing  in  the  alms- 
house, but  who  now  has  a  fever,  requested  that  I  would 
come  and  see  him  once  more  before  his  death.  Poor  fel- 
low! he  could  not  converse;  he  could  only  clasp  his  hands 
and  look  up.  In  this  posture  were  his  hands  and  eyes, 
when  I  left  him.  Who  can  say  that  he  may  not,  by  the 
eye  of  faith,  penetrate  the  vail,  which  obscures  heaven 
from  busy  mortals,^ 

December  \7th. 

The  man  of  whom  I  wrote  on  the  12th  instant,  was 
anxious  to  see  me;  and  assures  me,  to-day,  that  he  would 
wish,  never,  never  to  sin  again,  were  hell  annihilated.  He 
would  not  willingly  displease  the  compassionate  God,  were 
he  disarmed  of  his  thunders. 

It  is  seriously  to  be  apprehended,  that  comparatively 
few  sailors  will  make  the  haven  of  eternal  bliss.  They 
sail  upon  an  opposite  course;  their  passions  are  the  gales, 
and  they  spread  all  their  canvass. 

One  I  have  seen  to-day  who  seems  bound  in  a  right 
direction.  He  has  been  constrained  to  come  about.  Ac- 
cording to  his  statement,  he  was  born  in  Salem,  Massa- 
chusetts, and  has  been  for  many  years  a  bold,  profane, 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  213 

rampant  tar.  Until  two  years  ago  he  was  the  chief  of 
bulliesj  would  defy  every  manj  and  when  on  shore,  found 
the  highest  gratification  in  a  riot.  His  mother  and  grand- 
mother were  pious.  Whenever  he  landed  in  his  native 
state,  he  went  immediately  to  see  the  latter,  because  he 
loved  her  as  much  as  his  mother.  About  two  years  since 
this  Lois,  who  had  imitated  the  grandmother  of  Timothy, 
went  to  glory.  He  was  accustomed  to  think  of  her  with 
delight,  and  his  conscience  frequently  proposed  to  his 
heart  this  question:  "  how  can  I  ever  expect  to  meet  that 
pious  relative?"  He  was  convinced  that  two  persons  so 
different  as  they  were  could  never  meet  in  heaven,  unless 
he  was  first  converted.  Thus  commenced  his  seriousness: 
and  he  went  to  sea  again..  On  the  voyage  he  was  con- 
templative, and  diligently  applied  himself  to  the  Bible,  to 
learn  how  he  might  meet  that  good  woman.  In  the  book 
he  found  that  there  is  no  heaven,  without  being  a  new 
creature  in  Christ  Jesus.  **To  show  you,  sir,'*  he  said, 
"  what  Christ  can  do,  I  must  say,  that  my  messmates  were 
afraid  of  me,  because  I  was  so  blasphemously  wicked;  but 
HE  has  made  me  like  a  little  child.  I,  who  always  desired 
a  boxing-match,  have  since  been  more  pleased  to  be  smitten 
on  both  cheeks  without  returning  it,  than  I  should  be  to 
receive  a  hundred  dollars." 


December  I8th. 

P —  G — ,  dying  with  a  rapid  consumption,  is  still  so- 
licitous about  the  way  of  life.  This  is  the  object  of  his 
chief  concern;  but  he  wishes  also  to  prepare  a  peaceful 
grave  for  his  bones.  To  an  amanuensis,  one  of  his  fellow- 
patients,  he  dictated  the  following 


214  VISITS    OF    MERCY. 

LETTER. 

'' New-York  Hospital,  ISth  Dec.  1811. 

**  HONOURED  FATHER, 

"  I  am  sorry  to  be  obliged  to  inform  you  that  I  am  at  this 
present  time  obliged  to  get  a  person  to  write  for  me  to 
you,  to  let  you  know  that  I  am  very  sick  in  the  New-York 
hospital,  and  to  all  appearance  near  to  the  end  of  my  life. 
And  as  I  am  destitute  of  money,  and  wish  to  be  buried  in 
some  decent  manner,  which  cannot  be  done  without  it,  I 
therefore  request  you  to  send  me  some  for  that  purpose  as 
soon  as  possible,  after  you  receive  this,  as  I  know  not  how 
soon  my  time  may  come.  I  have  been  a  wicked  child,  but 
I  pray  you,  Oh  my  dearest  father!  not  to  refuse  this  last 
request  of  your  dying  son.  Ten  dollars  will  be  sufficient 
to  procure  me  a  bed,  where  my  body  may  remain  unmo- 
lested. Please  to  send  it  to  Mr.  Noah  Wetmore,  the 
superintendent  of  the  New-York  hospital,  who  will  see  it 
faithfully  applied  for  that  purpose.  In  the  mean  time, 
and  I  believe  for  the  last  time,  permit  me  to  subscribe 
myself  your  distressed  and  almost  dying  son, 

P— G— . 

**Mr.  D— G— . 

"  P.  S.  Give  my  duty  to  my  mother,  for  the  last  time." 
To  one  of  his  brethren  he  writes'under  the  same  date : 
*'  If  my  brother  Samuel  is  at  home,  give  my  love  to 
him,  and  if  possible  I  wish  to  see  him  here,  before  I  die. 
I  am  a  great  sinnerj  I  have  been  a  wild  high  fellow,  but 
now  I  pray  God  to  forgive  my  sins,  before  I  come  to  his 
judgment.  Give  my  last  love  to  all  my  sisters,  and  the 
rest  of  my  kindred. 

P.  G.'' 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  215 

December  19M. 

In  one  ward  of  the  alms-house,  in  which  I  prayed  to- 
day, were  nine  or  ten  persons  dangerously  sick.  There 
was  so  much  groaning  from  bodily  pain,  that  I  could 
scarcely  think  of  any  thing  else.  Prayers  were  offered 
also  in  the  presence  of  about  forty  women  of  ill  fame;  of 
whom  not  more  than  four  appear  to  have  any  sort  of  care 
for  their  immortal  souls.  Two  of  these  persons  were  M. 
B.  and  Amy  W — n,  of  whom  I  have  repeatedly  written. 
The  other  two  I  know  not,  but  one  of  them  wept  and 
prayed  aloud,  in  a  few  words,  which  denoted  great  fear 
and  anxiety. 

Becember  23  c?. 

This  evening  P —  G —  died,  with  a  composed  spirit. 
When  he  felt  himself  near  the  eternal  world,  he  was  un- 
concerned for  the  mortal  part.  Jesus  Christ  will  raise  it 
up  at  the  last  day,  and  should  the  particles  of  dust  be 
scattered  to  the  four  winds.  He  who  formed  man  will  be 
at  no  loss  for  materials,  in  erecting  the  spiritual  frame.* 

December  25th. 

The  Rev.  John  Stanford  has  been  abundant  in  his 
gratuitous  labours  among  the  inhabitants  of  the  State's 
Prison.  One  of  the  prisoners  to-day  expressed  his  grati- 
titude  to  this  gentleman  in  a  poetical  address,  of  which 
the  following  is 

•  The  letters  which  were  forwarded  to  the  friends  of  P —  G — , 
were  not  received  until  long  after  his  death.  Immediately  on  the  re- 
ception, the  father  directed  a  very  affecting  letter  to  me,  in  which  he 
inquires  after  his  son;  and  proffers  him,  if  living,  all  suitable  assistance. 


216  VISITS  OF  MERCY.  ^ 

AN  EXTRACT. 

**  To  sooth  the  sick,  to  lead  the  blind, 
And  comfort  give  the  wretched  mind. 
You  always  take  a  feeling  part. 
And  find  admission  to  the  heart. 
All  this  is  done  in  such  kind  ways 
As  captivate  the  heart  that  strays, 
And  consolation  often  brings, 
As  though  it  were  on  angels*  wings. 
When  justice  lifts  the  sword  of  state, 
All  must  of  course  submit  their  fate. 
Yet  if,  through  error,  she  should  strike 
The  just  and  the  unjust  alike. 
Your  doctrine  still  shall  bring  to  sight 
The  brightest  day  in  darkest  night. 
Many  there  are,  who  see  with  pain 
The  prison  door,  and  prison  chain. 
Yet  few  there  are  so  free  to  give 
Their  time  and  service  to  relieve." 

In  the  last  lines,  the  prisoner  alludes  to  the  fact,  that 
most  of  the  ministers  of  the  gospel,  who  preach  in  rota- 
tion at  the  prison,  give  only  the  service  of  half  the  sab- 
bath, because  it  is  inconvenient  to  desert  their  respective 
churches;  vs^hile  Mr.  Stanford,  having  no  parochial 
charge,  and  feeling  compassion  for  those  who  would 
otherwise  be  in  close  confinement,  labours  with  them 
during  the  whole  day. 

Another  prisoner,  being  desirous  of  expressing  his 
gratitude  for  the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  wrote  an  ad- 
dress to  Mr.  Stanford  in  the  Latin  language,  which  he 
translated,  and  presented  to  the  superintendent  in  a  letter, 
which  for  elegance  and  delicacy  of  compliment,  has  rare- 
ly been  surpassed  by  any  pen.     The  following  is 


VISITS  OF  MERCr.  217 

A  COPY  OF  THE  LETTER. 

*'To  Nicholas  Roome,  Esq. 
^'^  Indulgent  Sir, 

"  Permit  me,  through  the  medium  of  yourself,  to  pre- 
sent the  Rev.  Mr.  Stanford  with  a  New- Year's  gift.  The 
friendly  and  disinterested  manner  in  vi^hich  he  has  so  fre- 
quently addressed  us,  has  impressed  me,  and,  I  sincerely 
believe,  many  others,  with  a  deep  sense  of  our  obligations. 
I  am  not  authorized  to  address  him  in  behalf  of  the  prison- 
ers, though  individuals  cordially  assent,  but  beg  leave, 
in  the  commencement  of  the  new  year,  to  give  him  a 
small  token  of  our  gratitude.  The  mode  may  appear 
novel.  I  have  written  it  in  Latin,  not  with  a  view  to  ex- 
hibit a  specimen  of  an  imperfect  and  much  impaired  edu- 
cation, but  merely  to  pay  a  just  compliment  to  Mr.  Stan- 
ford's superior  understanding.  For  your  own  personal 
convenience,  I  have  annexed  to  this  a  translation,  as  lite- 
ral as  the  peculiar  idioms  of  the  two  languages  would 
permit.  There  are  undoubtedly  many  imperfections;  but 
Mr.  Stanford's  well  known  goodness  encourages  a  hope, 
that  he  will  view  it  with  candour. 

*'  Notwithstanding  the  gratitude  I  feel  for  Mr.  Stanford, 
it  is  not  confined  to  him  alone.  You,  sir,  hold  anj  equal 
claim.  For  the  numerous  instances  of  your  past  kind- 
ness, I  wish  you,  on  this  occasion,  a  restoration  of  your 
health.  May  you  liberally  enjoy  the  blessings  of  the  new 
year.  May  you  long  live  to  enjoy  conjugal  and  paternal 
felicity.  May  the  lives  of  those  sweet  babes,  who  daily 
delight  you  with  their  innocent  prattle,  be  prolonged; 
and  may  they  become  ornaments  to  society,  in  whose 
future  prosperity  you  anticipate  the  joys  of  your  old  age. 

VOL.    I.  T 


218  VISITS  or  MERCY. 

"  With  sentiments  of  gratitude,  I  subscribe  myself  the 
unfortunate 

*'Obadiah  Parker." 


Jl  copy  of  the  enclosed  translation, 

'*A  NEW  year's  gift.'* 

'*  With  diffidence  addressed  to  the  most  reverend  John  Stan' 
ford,  Master  of  Arts,  Doctor  of  Divinity,  and  the  friend  of 
man.* 

"  If  it  be  proper  for  me,  a  wretch,  confined  in  a  prison 
and  clothed  with  disgrace,  to  greet  youj  contemplating 
the  events  of  the  past  year,  and  your  numerous  endeav- 
ours to  instruct  our  ignorant  minds,  I  wish  you  the  bless- 
ings of  heaven.  Your  labours,  in  consoling  the  wretched 
and  drawing  souls  to  the  Saviour  of  sinners,  demand  our 
thanks.  I  have  not  words,  whereby  I  can  express  the 
feelings  of  my  heart.  Not  flattery,  but  the  truth,  I  speak. 
There  is  a  suavity  in  your  manner  of  speaking,  which 
gives  comfort  to  the  most  miserable,  and  plainly  indicates 
the  humanity  of  the  speaker.  While  the  body  languishes 
through  grief,  you  nourish  the  soul  by  gospel  food. 

''  As  hard  wax  is  rendered  soft  by  fire,  so  by  your  dis- 
courses stubborn  hearts  are  prepared  to  receive  the  im- 
pressions of  divine  truth;  and,  while  the  mind  wanders 
in  error,  you  point  out  the  way  which  leads  to  eternal 
happiness. 

*'  For  your  kind  services,  with  which  we  have  so  fre- 
quently been  favoured,  I  pray  that  your  prosperity  may 

•  The  English  reader  will  remember,  that  this  is  the  usual  style 
of  address,  which  was  used  among  the  polite  Romans. 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  219 

be  increased,  this  year;  that  you  may  live  long  here  be- 
low; and  when  you  quit  this  mortal  life,  may  God  receive 
you  to  the  mansions  above,  where,  joined  with  the  saints, 
you  may  for  ever  exalt  the  praises  of  God  and  the  Lamb. 

'*  Thus  prays 

'*  Obadiah  Parker." 

It  is  a  proof  of  the  scholarship  of  tHis  prisoner,  that  to 
the  original  paper  he  has  subjoined  a  note,  altering  the 
phraseology,  that  he  might  avoid  the  repetition  of  the 
same  word.  Such  prisoners  have  sufficient  talents  to 
render  them  good  critics,  and  the  man  who  thinks  that  a 
weak  discourse  "  will  answer  for  the  State's  Prison,"  has 
forgotten  that /oo/s  are  never  rogues.  Perhaps  six  hun- 
dred hearers,  who  possess  equal  acuteness  with  the  pri- 
soners, cannot  easily  be  assembled  in  any  church.  They 
very  soon  discover  what  they  think  of  the  talent  and  feel- 
ing of  a  preacher,  and  when  neither  is  manifested,  had 
he  eyes  of  observation,  he  might  witness  their  contempt 
and  his  own  disgrace. 

Prisons,  and  new  settlements,  which  frequently  abound 
with  infidels,  and  persons  who  disregard  divine  ordinan- 
ces, are  the  last  places  which  should  be  visited  by  those 
weak  things  of  the  world  which  are  of  little  use  in  well- 
informed  societies,  A  weak  man  may  minister  to  a 
church  already  established,  but  a  weak  missionary  will 
not  commonly  assemble  the  outcasts,  and  awe  the  profane. 

December  28th, 

On  Thursday  last,  I  visited  fifty  sick  persons  in  the 
alms-house;  on  Friday,  four  wards  in  the  hospital;  and 
to-day,  five  poor  families.     In  one,  to  which  I  went  at  the 


220  VISITS   OF  MERCY. 

request  of  Mrs.  B n,  was  found  a  young  widow  with 

two  small  children,  who  said,  "  when  I  look  upon  my 
babes,  nature  cries,  life,  life;  but  I  can  resign  them  to'God, 
for  he  is  a  merciful  God."  Her  conversation  was  all  of 
this  description,  and  exquisitely  tender. 


December  SOth. 

Many  ministers  of  the  word  have  visited  a  man,  who 
is  now  in  confinement  under  sentence  of  death,  and  who 
is  to  be  executed  in  a  few  days.  He  said  to  me,  *'  many 
urge  me  to  declare  that  I  am  confident  of  pardon,  but  I 
cannot,  I  will  not  say  any  such  thing.  I  can  only  say, 
that  I  submit  myself  to  the  will  of  God,  having  some  fee- 
ble hope  that  he  will  accept  me  as  righteous  for  the  sake 
of  Christ,  and  make  me  happy  in  heaven.'* 

The  history  of  this  man  is  short.  He  Avas  born  in  Scot- 
land, was  a  baker  by  profession,  and  removed  to  this 
country  with  his  wife.  She  became  intemperate  in  the  use 
of  ardent  spirits,  and  squandered  his  earnings.  They 
quarrelled,  and  he  forsook  her.  A  shock  of  the  palsy 
disabled  him,  and  then,  for  his  maintainance,  he  began 
to  peddle  small  books,  songs,  and  pictures.  He  took 
a  housekeeper,  with  whom  he  lived  unlawfully,  who  was 
a  drunkard,  no  less  than  his  wife.  His  new  trade  and 
company  made  him  a  tippler  also.  On  the  morning  of 
the  fatal  deed,  he  arose  at  five  o'clock,  went  to  a  neigh- 
bouring dram-shop,  drank  freely,  returned  home,  and 
went  to  bed.  At  seven  o'clock  he  awoke,  and  found  that 
his  concubine,  who  had  been  out,  drunken,  all  night,  had 
returned  and  plundered  his  pocket.  She  too  had  taken 
her   morning  draught,   and  was   insensible   beside   him. 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  221 

In  his  fury  he  arose,  "  half  drunken,  but  more  mad,"  as 
he  confessed  to  me,  and  with  a  stick  gave  her  the  blows 
which  were  followed  by  death. 

When  Sinclair  and  Johnson  were  about  to  be  executed, 
last  January,  this  man  was  selling  near  Bridewell,  the 
**  last  words  and  dying  speeches  of  the  criminals,'*  made 
by  the  printer,  with  a  picture  of  the  same  gallows  to 
which  the  laws  of  God  and  his  country  require  him  to 
come. 

** Around  the  bed  of  loose  desire, 

For  ever  hover  wild  tumultuous  dreams; 
Some  veng-eful  brother  wills  the  duel  dire, 

The  ghost  of  some  defloured  women  screams; 

Some  chaste  Lucina,  butchered,  bleeding  lies, 
While  angry  justice  whets  her  flaming  sword; 

By  treachery  stabb'd,  some  worthier  rival  dies, 
And  the  grim  hangman  knots  the  shameful  cord." 

W.  M.  JOHKSOX. 


December  31*/. 

INSANITY. 

"  Yon  shiv'ring  wretch,  (whose  pale  and  squalid  form, 
Which  streaming  rags  o'erhang,  but  not  infold, 
Seems  mounting  on  the  wild  wing  of  the  storm. 
Worn  to  a  ghost  by  hunger,  thirst,  and  cold,) 

Two  little  years  ago,  could  boast  a  bloom 
That  might  with  Hebe's  or  Hygeia's  vie; 
Content  and  pleasure  made  that  breast  their  home 
That  now,  so  bare  and  purple,  braves  the  sky." 

W.  M.  Johnson's  MS. 

Havikg  brought  my  journal  to  the  last  day  of  the  year, 
I  propose  to  conclude  it,  by  giving  a  short  history  of  several 

T  2 


222  TISITS  OF  MERCY. 

insane  persons,  whom  I  have  seen,  in  different  situations. 
Where  I  have  seen  them,  will  not  always  be  saiclj  nor  can 
it  be  a  matter  of  much  consequence  to  the  reader;  but 
upon  the  fidelity  of  my  representations  may  be  placed  firm 
reliance.  What  I  have  seen  I  must  believe,  and  what  I 
shall  write  from  the  testimony  of  others,  is  from  such  cre- 
dible witnesses,  that  I  am  firmly  convinced  of  its  truth, 
and  nothing  may  be  thought  a  fiction. 

Who  does  not  pity  the  "  shiv'ring  wretch,"  who  is  lost 
to  himself  and  society?  What  can  have  produced  his  insa- 
nity? To  give  a  medical  dissertation  on  this  subject,  were 
it  in  my  power,  would  not  be  my  province;  but  to  treat  of 
several  moral  causes  of  mental  derangement,  may  subserve 
the  interests  of  humanity  and  religion.  Misconduct  is 
more  commonly  the  predisposing  cause  to  madness  than 
any  inevitable  providence.  A  blow  on  the  head,  a  fever, 
intense  heat,  coup  de  soleil,  and  lunar  changes,  may  affect 
the  brain  and  whole  nervous  system;  but  intemperance' 
in  drink,  inordinate  attachments,  and  vicious  indulgences, 
are  the  most  common  sources  of  mental  disorder.  That 
person  who  yields  himself  to  any  inordinate  passion,  ex- 
poses his  rational  faculties  to  a  collapse.  Avarice,  lust, 
infidelity,  and  imprudence,  are  the  prolific  causes  of  more 
than  half  that  disorder  which  bears  various  names,  under 
its  different  appearances,  from  ?i.  wild  imagination  X.o fatuity. 

The  love  of  money,  when  inordinate,  is  "  a  root  of  evil." 
I  have  known  a  young  woman,  who  lost  twenty  dollars  in 
the  street,  which  she  could  not  find;  and  who,  after  a  few 
days  of  anxiety  on  the  subject,  became  a  maniac.  It  was 
a  large  sum,  indeed,  to  her;  but  would  any  person,  who 
duly  estimated  the  value  of  gold  and  silver,  become  a  bed- 
lamite for  such  a  paltry  consideration?     Yet  this  young 


VISITS  OF  MEHCY.  223 

woman  was  so  frantic  as  to  jump  out  of  a  chamber  win- 
dow, and  died  in  a  week.  While  we  pity  her,  we  cannot 
but  exclaim, 

"Curs'd  gold!  how  high  will  daring  mortals  rise 

In  ev'ry  guilt,  to  reach  the  glittering  prize?'*  Pitt. 

The  love  of  country  is  commendable,  but  when  unre- 
strained, it  is  madness.  From  this  cause  I  have  seen  a 
GermanjWho  stands  on  this  side  the  Atlantic, and  converses 
from  morning  till  evening  with  the  people  of  Germany. 
He  doubts  not  but  they  hear,  and  he,  in  return,  is  perfectly 
apprized  of  their  answers. 

Another  man  I  know,  who  marches  up  to  every  stranger 
whom  he  is  permitted  to  see,  with  the  brim  of  his  hat  fold- 
ed under,  before  and  behind,  to  make  it  resemble  a  military 
cap,  and  putting  his  crooked  finger  into  his  mouth  gives 
a  tremendous  whistle.  The  stranger  will  naturally  trem- 
ble, but  there  is  no  danger;  for  the  young  man,  tall  and 
majestic,  even  in  rags  and  filth,  is  one  of 

"  Rough  nature's  children,  humorous  as  she." 

He  v/as  one  who  took  some  part  in  what  is  called  **  the 
late  rebellion  in  Ireland,"  and  found- it  necessary  to  escape 
for  his  life  to  America.  From  some,  who  knew  him  at 
home,  we  learn  that  he  was  a  reputable  farmer.  Now  he 
wishes  to  talk  about  the  blood-thirsty  fellows  who  caught 
him  by  the  throat,  from  whom  he  fled;  but  more  particularly 
about  the  people  of  Kilkenny,  his  neighbours,  his  father's 
farm,  and  ''  uncle  Patrick  over  the  way."  He  insists  upon 
it,  that  he  knew  me  there,  and  had  letters  from  me,  which 
he  still  preserves.  In  this  country  he  was  disappointed, 
and  ^'  the  green  little  Isle  of  the  Ocean"  was  so  connected 
with  all  his  affections,  that  they  with  his  reason  have  re- 


224  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

turned  to  it,  and  left  nothing  but  the  erect  animal  in 
America. 

Let  us  learn,  then,  not  to  love  the  place  of  our  nativity 
or  any  prosperous  condition  supremely,  lest  our  souls, 
being  wedded  to  earth,  should  be  involved  in  her  final 
ruin,  and  beholding  her  vanish,  should  say,  ''  we  have 
lost  all." 

To  prevent  confusion,  I  shall  introduce  several  distinct 
articles^  and  the  first  will  exhibit  the  danger  of  yielding  to 

VICIOUS  COMPANY. 

A  young  Irishman,  not  long  ago,  left  a  wife  and  child, 
whom  he  tenderly  regarded,  in  the  land  of  his  fathers, 
and  came  to  this  country  to  improve  his  condition.  His 
family  he  left  behind,  because  he  could  pay  for  only  one 
passage,  and  knew  not  how  he  should  succeed  in  Ame- 
rica. Here  he  found  constant  employment,  and  resolved 
to  remove  his  family,  so  soon  as  he  could  send  them  suf- 
ficient money  to  discharge  their  necessary  expenses  on 
the  voyage.  He  earned  twenty  dollars,  and  delivered  into 
the  hands  of  his  uncle  the  same  sum,  that  it  might  be 
preserved  in  safety.  In  a  few  months,  he  cleared  by  his 
labour  fifty  dollars  more,  and  then  took  the  seventy,  to 
deliver  to  a  captain,  who  had  engaged  to  bring  him  his 
partner  and  child.  He  was  on  his  way  to  the  ship,  with 
all  his  property  in  his  pocket,  when  he  met  some  of  his 
jovial  countrymen,  to  whom,  with  the  frankness  of  his 
nation,  he  told  his  good  fortune.  They  enticed  him  into  a 
common  grog-shop;  and  he  in  his  prosperity  began  to 
treat  them.  In  return  they  made  him  drink.  The  social 
whiskey  went  round,  and  round  again,  until  the  unfortu- 
nate young  man  sunk  down  in  slumber  on  the  floor.  In 
the  morning  he  awoke,  chiding  himself  for  his  folly;  and 


VISITS   OF   MliUCY.  225 

here  his  misery  commenced.  He  felt  in  his  pockets  for 
his  moneys  but  it  was  in  vain.  His  seducers  and  his  mo- 
ney were  gone  together.  He  had  nothing  to  remit  to  his 
wife;  his  courage  was  gone;  and  after  walking  the  streets 
a  few  days  in  melancholy,  he  became  a  maniac.  A  course 
of  medicine  cured  his  raving,  but  left  him  in  a  state  of  fa- 
tuity. Now  he  cares  nothing  for  the  friends  he  once  loved, 
nothing  for  his  wife,  nothing  for  his  child;  and  will  proba- 
bly die  in  stupidity.  Such  were  the  results  of  yielding  to 
vicious  company,  for  a  night.  These  sons  of  Hibernia 
are  some  of  the  noblest,  or  some  of  the  vilest  of  men. 
Their  love  of  company  is  one  of  their  greatest  temptations. 
Could  their  hospitality  here  command  nothing  more  than 
the  hard,  but  welcome  fare  of  Erin,  it  would-be  produc- 
tive of  little  evil;  but  in  America,  one  who  would  give  his 
guest  a  potato  in  Ireland,  gives  him  "a mug,  stiff,  and  far 
to  the  north;"  a  besotting,  deadly  dram. 

THE  CURSE  OF  AVARICE. 

The  subject  of  this  article,  whose  history  is  a  comment 
upon  the  caption,  is  an  aged  woman,  who  is  now  depen- 
dent on  alms  for  subsistence.  Once,  she  had  friends  and 
possessions,  leased  several  houses,  and  lived  in  affluence. 
She  was  single,  and,  in  middle  age,  avarice  became  her 
predominant  passion.  After  an  ominous  course  of  ex- 
tortion, a  quarter-day  arrived,  on  which  she  sallied  forth 
to  collect  rents.  Among  her  tenants,  she  found  a  woman 
that  held  in  her  arms  a  child  of  fourteen  days.  The 
husband  of  this  mother  was  a  worthless  man,  but  she 
had  l>een  hitherta  punctual  in  payments;  and  would  now 
have  been,  had  she  not  been  subject  to  unusual  expendi- 


226  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

tures.  When  the  griping  landlady  called,  the  poor  wo- 
man was  unable  to  leave  her  bed. 

"Pay  me  that  thou  owest,"  said  the  maiden  lady. 

''  Wait  a  little  while,  and  I  will  pay  thee  all,"  said  the 
tenant,  and  plead  the  peculiarity  of  her  circumstances,  to 
one  who  could  not  feel  for  the  mother  of  babes,  that  are 
worse  than  fatherless  while  the  father  lives.  Payment  the 
owner  of  the  house  would  have,  and  payment  she  did 
have ;  for  when  she  took  the  bed  from  under  the  sick  mo- 
ther to  sell  it  at  auction,  the  child  of  sorroM',  the  mother 
in  anguish  said, "  may  you  never  again  sleep  on  a  bed  while  you 
live,"  This  was  probably  uttered  with  no  pious  emotion^ 
but,  in  the  issue,  it  appears  to  have  been  a  curse  which 
took  effect^  for  the  person  against  whom  it  was  fulminated 
has  never  since  slept  on  any  other  bed  than  the  floor. 
After  that  unhappy  day,  her  conscience  smote  her,  and 
at  first  she  could  not  sleep  any  where.  Afterwards  she 
refused  to  make  the  attempt  on  any  bed,  and  for  many 
years,  even  to  this  day,  accepts  of  nothing  but  a  blanket 
and  the  floor. 

Her  intellectual  faculties  became  disordered,  and  her 
property  was  soon  dispersed.  Although  her  reason  has 
forsaken  her,  yet  her  pride  has  not.  Suitable  clothing  is 
offered  her,  but  she  will  not  receive  it,  because  she  was 
**not  accustomed  to  such  attire."  I  have  seen  her  bare- 
foot in  the  midst  of  winter,  because  she  could  not  obtain 
kid  shoes  and  silk  stockings;  and  she  is  always  bare-head- 
ed in  the  rain  and  sunshine,  because  she  wants  a  tasty  bon^ 
net.  She  will  wear  a  fine  calico  gown  until  it  is  all  tattered 
to  shivers,  even  in  the  winter,  when  it  no  more  than  half 
covers  her  body,  to  the  rejection  of  warm  but  coarse 
woollen  garments. 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  227 


A  tatter'd  apron  hides, 


Worn  as  a  cloak,  and  hardly  hides,  a  gown 
More  tatter'd  still;  and  both  but  ill  conceal 
A  bosom  heav'd  with  never-ceasing  sighs." 

Her  delirium  is  not,  however,  so  well  calculated  to  ex- 
cite sympathy  as  that  of  Cowper's  Crazy  Kate.  In  her 
ornaments  she  is  still  fantastic^  for  having  slit  her  ears 
down  repeatedly  with  ponderous  rings,  like  the  hoops 
which  were  lately  in  vogue,  she  now  ties  twine  to  her  ears, 
and  suspends  brass  baubles  from  the  flaxen  thread.  Neither 
entreaty  nor  force  can  change  her  habits.  The  curse  of 
avarice  has  entered  into  that  heart,  which  once  nurtured 
the  demonj  it  pervades  the  life,  and  is  likely  to  be  lasting 
as  futurity. 

DISAPPOINTMENTS. 

A  young  lady,  the  daughter  of  a  judge,  had  high  ex- 
pectations from  her  father's  affluence  and  her  own  personal 
accomplishments.  She  was  caressed  by  many  friends, 
and  had  not  anticipated  adversity.  It  came,  however,  and 
found  her  supremely  attached  to  perishable  objects.  Her 
father's  property  took  wings,  and  in  the  place  of  flattering 
attentions,  came  neglect.  It  was  more  than  her  mind  could 
endure.  She  became  disconsolate^  madness  followed; 
fatuity  succeeded,  and  a  dysentery  closed  the  mortal  scene. 
I  have  seen  her  seated  in  a  window,  where  she  would  re- 
main silent  the  livelong  day;  and,  unless  charity  had  for- 
bidden, would  have  remained  the  livelong  night.  Her 
large  blue  eyes  were  intensely  fixed  on  nothing  visible  to 
rational  beings,  and  she  refused  to  speak.  Sad,  indeed, 
was  her  love  of  splendour  and  affluence!  The  change 
wh'^ch  she  experienced  was  mortifying  to  vanity;  but  more 
humbling  to  humanity  was  the  effect  of  disappointment. 


228  VISITS   OF   MERCY. 

A  similar  instance  of  insanity  I  have  seen,  in  a  young 
man,  who,  for  several  years,  vras  particular  in  his  atten- 
tions to  one  of  the  most  pleasing  maids  of  his  native  vil- 
lage. She  apparently  reciprocated  his  fondness;  but 
before  his  financial  concerns  vi^ould  permit  him  to  enter 
the  state  of  wedlock,  the  brisk  young  captain  of  a  ship 
saw  the  betrothed  virgin,  and  by  his  money,  or  ardour,  or 
something  else,  made  such  an  impression  on  her  heart  as 
to  efface  the  image  of  her  first  lover.  The  damsel  was 
married  to  the  last,  the  favourite  suitor,  and  the  first  lost 
his  reason.  This  disappointment  was  too  heavy  for  him; 
for  he  had  idolized  a  woman,  and  when  his  god  was  taken 
away,  what  had  he  left  for  his  consolation?  He  became  a 
strange,  unhappy  being  from  the  day  of  his  disappointment. 
Not  long  after  his  insanity  became  confiiymied,  he  got  off 
his  brother's  vessel  from  the  wharf,  and  was  going  out  to  sea 
with  the  tide.  The  pilots  came  alongside  of  him,  and  de- 
manded what  hands  were  on  board.  He  said  he  had  a  mate 
below.  They  insisted  on  seeing  him,  and  behold,  the  ma- 
niac brought  up  on  deck  his  cat,  which  was  his  mate,  and 
the  only  companion  of  his  intended  voyage.  To  prevent 
him  from  performing  similar  actions,  his  friends  have  put 
him  into  a  state  of  confinement,  where  he  has  all  the  bless- 
ings which  one  in  his  condition  is  able  to  receive. 

A  third  case  of  disappointment,  which  I  shall  state,  is 
that  of  a  blooming  young  woman,  who  married  an  aged 
man,  from  the  hope  of  enjoying  his  affluence.  After  mar- 
riage she  found  the  scrutoire  locked  against  her,  and 
instead  of  indulging  herself  in  the  elegancies  of  society, 
she  was  forced  to  live  economically.  This  would  have 
been  a  small  trial  to  one  who  married  from  affection,  but 
it  drove  her  to  such  madness,  that,  to  be  revenged  on  his 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  229 

parsimony,  she  would  sand  the  floor  with  Indian  sugar. 
With  a  babe  in  her  arms,  she  has  fled  from  her  husband, 
and  with  bare  feet  has  travelled  in  a  cold  night  tenor  twelve 
miles.     Who  can  be  happy  in  the  matrimonial  union? 

'•Not  sordid  souls  of  earthly  mould, 
Who,  drawn  by  kindred  charms  of  gold, 

To  dull  embraces  move : 
So  two  rich  mountains  of  Peru 
May  rush  to  wealthy  marriage  too, 

And  make  a  world  of  love." — Watts, 

None  but  fools  despise  money;  but  matrimony  requires 
some  other  foundation. 

A  fourth  instance  of  insanity,  from  disappointment,  may 
be  found  in  the  person  of  a  stately  Frenchman,  who  was 
a  planter  in  one  of  the  West-Indian  Islands.  He  was  in 
affluence,  but  lost  his  estate  by  the  misconduct  of  a  com- 
mercial partner.  Being  dissatisfied  with  his  situation,  he 
removed  to  one  of  the  largest  cities  in  the  United  States, 
and  opened  a  hat-store,  but  did  not  prosper  in  his  new 
business.  Disappointment  upon  disappointment  made 
him  dejected.  He  could  not  associate  with  such  company 
as  he  had  been  familiar  with;  and  the  strange  notion  came 
into  his  head  that  the  citizens  thought  him  black.  To 
rectify  their  unfavourable  opinion,  on  this  subject,  he  took 
down  his  sign,  and  made  an  improvement  upon  it,  by  paint- 
ing the  word  white,  before  his  name.  This  however  did 
not  obviate  the  difficulty,  for,  according  to  his  imagina- 
tion, every  person  still  thought  him  black.  His  delirium 
increased,  and  he  forsook  his  shop  to  rove  the  streets. 
All  the  scraps  of  waste  paper  which  he  could  find  he 
thought  were  checks,  or  bank  notes.     With  these  he  fre- 

VOL.  I.  u 


230  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

quented  the  custom-house  and  banks  of  the  city;  until  the 
clerks,  to  be  rid  of  this  troublesome  merchant,  allowed  him 
to  make  deposits,  and  gave  him  in  return  strips  of  paper, 
■with  such  marks  and  signatures  as  little  children  make, 
when  they  first  write  letters  to  their  companions.  Pro- 
perty of  this  description  he  accumulated,  until  he  was 
worth,  in  his  estimation,  (judging  as  many  great  men 
estimate  paper,)  the  sum  of  several  hundred  thousand 
dollars. 

This  unexampled  prosperity  did  not  diminish  his  ha- 
tred of  those  who  had  defrauded  him,  or  of  those  who 
thought  him  black.  I  have  seen  him  in  the  streets,  loaded 
with  paper,  and  swollen  with  rage.  To  cure  him,  if  pos- 
sible, and  keep  him  from  mischief,  he  was  conveyed  to  an 
asylum;  but  the  faculty  have  not  been  able  to 


-minister  to  a  mind  diseas'd; 


Pluck  from  the  memory  a  rooted  sorrow; 
Raze  out  the  written  troubles  of  the  brain,- 
And  with  some  sweet  oblivious  antidote 
Cleanse  the  foul  bosom  of  that  perilous  stuff 
Which  weighs  upon  the  heart." 

A  tall  country  girl,  of  good  figure  and  agreeable  man- 
ners, presents  a  fifth  case.  In  childhood  she  was  first 
among  her  school-mates,  and  although  her  parents  were 
poor,  yet  they  were  reputable,  and  associated  with  the 
first  families  of  the  town.  She  was  bred  to  the  trade  of  a 
mantua-maker,  and  excelled  in  her  profession.  Her  good 
sense,  gracefulness,  and  industry,  procured  her,  when 
marriageable,  the  addresses  of  some  of  the  most  flourish- 
ing young  farmers  of  the  neighbourhood.  Several  offers 
of  marriage  were  so  flattering  to  her  vanity,  that  she  pre- 
sumed to  think,  that  she  could  command  any  alliance. 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  231 

(an  imagination  very  common  to  the  gay  and  prosperous,) 
and  therefore  the  young  men  of  her  village  were  allowed 
to  sue  and  be  rejected.  In  the  midst  of  this  career  of 
coquetry,  a  rich  uncle  visited  her  father,  and  was  pleased 
with  the  fine  person  and  agreeable  conversation  of  his  niece. 
"  The  girl  was  made,'*  said  he, ''  for  something  more  than 
a  seamstress."  This  the  young  lady  believed  to  be  sound 
doctrine.  The  uncle  proposed  to  adopt  her,  to  take  her 
to  his  place  of  residence,  and  to  establish  her  in  a  shop  of 
jewellery.  The  proposal  was  no  sooner  made  than  ac- 
cepted. She  was  furnished,  in  a  large  city,  with  a  fine 
assortment  of  jewellery,  and  for  a  time  shone  with  the 
splendour  of  a  princess.  Her  fondest  wishes  were  grati- 
fied; but  her  head  was  not  in  a  right  condition  for  calcu- 
lations. She  could  more  easily  count  the  profits  of  a  day's 
labour,  than  the  loss  and  gain  upon  a  box  of  golden  orna- 
ments. She  became  a  bankrupt^  and  in  consequence  of 
the  chagrin  and  vexation  which  she  experienced,  a  lunatic. 
Her  uncle  could  not  manage  her,  for  she  had  now  become 
a  princess,  owned  immense  possessions,  and  could  not 
move  without  a  retinue.  He  sent  her  back  to  her  father; 
but  she  could  not  live  with  a  poor  man.  She  thought, 
and  still  thinks,  herself  mistress  of  coaches,  castles,  and 
palaces.  Her  form  is  still  erect,  and  her  manner  studi- 
ously dignified.  She  is  in  confinement;  but  her  abode  is 
her  palace,  and  all  the  maniacs  are  her  servants.  For  a 
long  time  she  refused  to  do  any  manner  of  work,  and  would 
go  naked  in  preference  to  wearing  a  coarse  dress.  She 
was  disciplined,  however,  with  the  shower-bath  ;  and  in 
making  her  own  garments,  proves  that  she  has  not  forgot- 
ten the  use  of  her  needle. 


252  VISITS   OF   MERCY. 

A  gentleman  saw  her  making  a  shirt,  and  said,  *'  are 
you  at  work,  then?" 

"  0  no,  sir,'*  was  her  reply,  "  /  was  sewing  a  little  Jine 
work  to  absorb  the  perspiration  of  my  Jingers.'* 

Every  thing  is  said  and  done  by  her  in  the  same  style. 
Had  she  a  few  thousands,  yearly,  possibly  she  might  not 
conduct  more  like  an  insane  person,  than  many  other 
splendid  and  extravagant  daughters  of  pleasure. 

The  last  person  to  whom  I  shall  allude  under  this  head, 
resembles  crazy  Kate. 

"  There  often  wanders  one,  whom  better  days 
Saw  better  clad,  in  cloak  of  satin  trimm'd 
With  lace,  and  hat  with  splendid  riband  bound. 
A  serving  niaid  was  she,  and  fell  in  love 
With  one  who  left  her,  went  to  sea,  and  died. 
Her  fancy  follow'd  him  through  foaming  waves 
To  distant  shores;  and  she  would  sit  and  weep 
At  what  a  sailor  suffers;  fancy,  too, 
Delusive  most  where  warmest  wishes  are. 
Would  oft  anticipate  his  glad  return, 
x\nd  dream  of  transports  she  was  not  to  know. 
She  heard  the  doleful  tidings  of  his  death, 
And  never  smiled  again ! " 

Eliza  was  a  sort  of  servant  maid  and  apprentice  to  an 
older  sister,  who  is  a  milliner.  A  young  sailor  visited 
her,  and  she  loved  him;  but  the  sister  prevented  a  match. 
This  disappointment  made  the  young  maid  insane.  She 
has  left  raving;  but  stupidity  is  now  seated  on  her  Grecian 
face;  and,  in  lieu  of  every  other  enjoyment,  she  is  obliged 
to  content  herself  with  taking  snuff,  from  morning  until 
evening.  Her  eye  is  black,  her  hair  dark,  and  the  upper 
part  of  her  face  is  a  bland  mixture  of  white  and  red,  over 
which  a  faint  smile  flits,  when  her  lover  is  spoken  of;  but 


VISITS    OF    MERCY.  233 

from  the  nose  down,  there  is.  nothing  l)ut  the  yellow  Scotch 
oniament. 

All  she  desires,  is  '•  to  go  home;  for  then  sonlebody 
who  came  to  see  somebody,  would  come  again  to  see 
some  of  their  folks;  and  she  should  see  him;  but  he 
would  not  come  to  see  her." 

Poor  thing!  Her  sorrows  should  warn  friends  and 
relatives  not  to  interfere,  when  young  persons  are  disposed 
prudently  \.o  connect  themselves  with  partners  of  their  own 
grade  in  society.  The  poor  as  well  as  the  rich  have  liberty 
to  marry,  and  verily,  it  is  no  disgrace,  to  manifest  by  prac- 
tice, that  we  accord  with  the  divine  opinion,  which  de- 
cides, that  "it  is  NOT  good  for  man  to  be  alone."  Some 
who  are  unequal  in  many  items,  may  upon  the  whole  be 
equally  yoked  together. 

"  In  such  a  world,  so  thorny,  and  where  none 
Find  happiness  unblighted;  or,  if  found. 
Without  some  thistly  sorrow  at  its  side, 
It  seenns  the  part  of  wisdom,  and  no  sin 
Ag-ainst  the  law  of  love,  to  measure  lots. 
With  less  distinguish'd  than  ourselves;  that  thus 
We  may  with  patience  bear  our  mod'rate  ills, 
And  sympathize  with  others,  sufF'ring  more." 

Thus  the  exquisite  poet  Coivper  sung,  who  loved  in 
early  life  one  of  humble  circumstances,  and  possibly  might 
have  been  saved  from  long  years  of  madness,  had  not  the 
pride  of  his  relatives  interfered  with  his  partialities. 

One  less  distinguish'd  I  could  love,  indeed; 
But  one  whom  less  deserving  I  esteem'd, 
Could  never  be  the  partner  of  my  joys. 
Could  never  share  the  half  of  my  full  soul. 
Nor  mitigate  the  pangs  of  mortal  grief. 
u  2 


234  VISITS   OF  MERCY. 

DRUNKENNESS. 

More  than  half  of  the  persons  whom  I  have  seem  insane, 
were  brought  into  that  state  by  an  intemperate  use  of  ar- 
dent spirits.  It  will  be  sufficient,  under  this  head,  to 
state  one  instance. 

J.  P ,  an  Englishman,  a  dresser  of  morocco- 
leather,  had  been  accustomed  to  malt-liquors  in  his  native 
country;  but  in  America  found  ardent  spirits  cheap,  and 
much  in  fashion.  He  was  industrious,  and,  it  is  said, 
more  skilful  in  his  line  of  business  than  any  other  person 
in  this  city.  He  was  young,  and  when  in  company,  was 
prevailed  on  to  imitate  his  companions  in  "  drinking  deep." 
In  consequence  of  one  night's  excess,  he  became  raving 
mad,  and  cbntinued  in  that  state  for  a  long  time.  When 
the  physician  had  succeeded  in  restoring  his  reason,  he 
taught  the  young  man  what  to  expect  from  future  mis- 
conduct, and  solemnly  warned  Ixim  to  drink  no  more  spi- 
rits. Admonition  and  sad  experience,' however,  were 
ineffectual.  In  three  weeks  after  his  first  restoration,  he 
drank  again  to  excess,  and  did  not  regain  his  reason  in 
less  than  eighteen  months.  When  insane,  he  was  full  of 
fear,  and  would  start  like  a  giddy  horse,  at  almost  every 
object.  A  second  time  he  was  cured,  and  very  wisely 
took  his  departure  from  this  country  for  the  land  of  good 
malt-liquor. 

NOVELS. 

Not  for  the  sake  of  disquisition  on  romance,  absurdity, 
and  the  favourite  books  of  many  gentlemen,  as  well  as 
ladies  of  little  thought,  is  this  article  introduced;  but  to 
state  a  fact,  which  may  prove  a  salutary  warning  to  such 
persons  as  cannot  read  the  scriptures  for   an  hour,  but 


VISITS   OF   MERCY.  235 

having  perused  a  novel  all  clay,  carry  it  to  bed  for  their 
entertainment  by  night. 

I  have  seen  a  young  lady,  w^hose  eyes  seem  to  flash  fire, 
and  whose  tongue  is  never  silent.  She  sings  songs  with 
enthusiasm,  and  can  scarcely  be  dissuaded  by  any  thing, 
but  a  desire  to  give  and  receive  compliments,  from  giving 
twenty  love-ditties  in  succession.  Her  animation  in- 
creases until  the  soft  voice  becomes  a  savage  yell;  and 
the  eye,  which  sparkled  with  delight,  is  suffused  with  an 
unmeaning  tear.  The  exertion  creates  an  increased  ac- 
tion of  the  blood,  unfavourable  to  recovery;  but  **  she 
has  been  taught  that  she  must  display  her  powers;  she 
must  gratify  the  gentlemen,  she  must  please  the  ladies;'* 
and  it  is  neither  in  the  power,  nor  commonly  in  the  dis- 
position, of  her  maniac  companions,  to  make  her  quiet; 
for  mad  persons  rarely  regard  the  fancies  of  one  another. 
I  have  often  observed  that  those  who  are  anxious  for 
conversation  with  rational  visitants,  will  not  deign  to 
speak  to  their  miserable  associates,  because,  forsooth, 
**  they  are  crazy!"  I  have  been  led  about  by  a  crazy 
young  man  of  liberal  education,  amongst  a  host  of  luna- 
tics, and  he  would  tell  me  the  peculiar  turn  of  each  one's 
mind  with  much  self-complacency.  He  would  not  speak 
to  them,  for  *'  they  are  mad." 

*'  But  what's  the  matter  with  you?" 

** Nothing  at  all,  sir!  My  friends  are  crazy,  and  have 
taken  it  into  their  heads,  that  I  am  out  of  my  wits,  and 
so  have  confined  me."  Like  this  young  man,  superior  to 
the  society  of  bedlamites,  all  the  deranged  females  hear 
the  songster,  but  seem  not  to  hear;  for  they  despise  her 
affectation. 

The  cause  of  her  derangement  was  an  excessive  attach' 


236  VISITS   OF   MERCY. 

mcnt  to  novels.  She  read  them  incessantly,  and  rejoiced 
at  pleasures,  which  were  never  experienced^  or  wept  for 
griefs,  which  were  never  endured.  What  once  was  called 
sensibility  in  her,  became  nervous  irritability;  and  like 
Don  Quixote,  she  believed  the  absurdest  fiction  to  be 
sober  verity.  A  young  gentleman  of  undoubted  veracity 
informed  me,  that  he  saw  her  reading  a  few  days  before 
her  senses  quite  forsook  her,  when  she  knew  nothing  that 
happened  in  the  same  room  where  she  was,  unless  some 
one  touched  her  with  the  hand,  while  he  pronounced  her 
name  with  his  lips.  She  sat  in  the  room  with  her  mother 
and  sister,  but  she  heard  not  their  conversation;  a  stran- 
ger entered,  but  her  whole  attention  was  absorbed  by  the 
history  of  some  perfect  lover  and  angelic  heroine.  Shortly 
after,  she  began  to  roam  the  city,  and  could  find  shady 
bowers,  meandering  rivulets,  melodious  groves,  and  cap- 
tivating admirers,  as  easily  as  the  knight  of  La  Mancha 
discovered  giants  and  armies  of  opponents  in  chivalry. 

IMPRUDENCE  IN  READING. 

An  apprentice  to  a  baker  was  fond  of  reading;  and 
accustomed  himself,  from  the  want  of  a  candle,  to  read 
by  the  light  emitted  from  a  bed  of  coals,  which  had  been 
swept  from  the  oven.  In  bending  forward  he  gave  the 
blood  in  his  system  an  unnatural  tendency  to  the  head, 
and  this,  with  the  heat  to  which  his  brain  was  exposed, 
induced  delirium.  After  a  considerable  season  of  sing- 
ing, dancing,  and  wild  excess,  he  was  reduced  to  compo- 
sure. The  powers  of  his  mind  have  suifered  material 
injury,  and  his  love  of  books  is  entirely  destroyed.  It 
has  happened  to  him,  as  it  does  to  many,  that  since  his 
recovery,  he  is  too  fond  of  the  maddening  draught.     This, 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  237 

in  many  cases,  is  either  a  physical  evil  produced  by  the 
previous  treatment,  or  it  results  from  the  loss  of  that 
mental  discernment  and  caution  which  kept  them  from 
too  free  indulgence  before  their  faculties  were  disordered. 
The  subject  of  this  article  is  about  twenty  years  old,  and 
is  in  great  danger  of  a  relapse.  A  little  imprudence  may 
cause  a  life  of  madness. 

This  instance  should  warn  others,  and  especially  chil- 
dren, who,  in  a  fit  of  industry,  read  by  the  light  of  a  fire. 
To  read  in  the  twilight,  before  it  is  sufficiently  dark  to  re- 
quire a  lamp,  is  injurious;  for  those  who  have  attempted 
it  must  know,  that  it  requires  a  painful  effort,  not  only 
of  the  optical  organs,  but  of  the  mind. 

The  most  studious  and  busy  ought  to  devote  some  time 
to  reflection;  and  what  part  of  the  day  is  more  suitable 
than  that,  in  which  all  nature  seems  putting  off  her  robes 
of  light  to  retire  for  the  night?  In  that  hour,  men  should 
think  without  notes,  and  pray  without  book. 

SLAVERY. 

"  But  ah!  what  wish  can  prosper,  or  what  pray'r. 
For  merchants  rich  in  cargoes  of  despair. 
Who  drive  a  loathsome  traffic,  gage  and  span. 
And  buy,  the  muscles  and  the  bones  of  mani' 
The  tender  ties  of  father,  husband,  friend, 
All  bonds  of  nature  in  that  moment  end; 
And  each  endures,  while  yet  he  draws  his  breath, 
A  stroke,  as  fatal  as  the  scythe  of  death." — Cowper. 

That  slavery  should  produce  insanity,  where  the  heart 
is  not  dead  to  feeling,  might  naturally  be  expected.  I 
could  state  several  cases  under  this  head,  but  shall  be 
satisfied  with  two. 

The  first  is  that  of  a  young  African,  who  with  his  bro- 


238  VISITS   OF  MERCY. 

ther  was  stolen  a  few  years  ago,  and  brought  to  the  United 
States,  where  both  were  sold  to  a  cruel  master.  The  one, 
of  which  I  write,  made  his  escape  from  bondage,  and 
after  great  anxiety  and  privations,  arrived  in  the  city  of 
New  York.  Here  he  was  young,  friendless,  and  under 
constant  fear  of  being  pursued  by  his  owner.  The  dread 
of  being  again  reduced  to  hard  servitude  operated  so 
powerfully  on  his  mind  as  to  produce  insanity.  After  a 
confinement  of  many  months,  he  has  become  tolerably 
rational,  loves  to  be  trusted,  and  performs  any  confidential 
duty  with  fidelity.  He  lives,  however,  in  fear  of  slavery, 
and  the  apprehension  of  it,  at  times,  renders  him  almost 
frantic.  It  is  a  singular  fact,  that  during  his  derange- 
ment, he  would  assist  in  reducing  a  white  maniac  to  obe- 
dience, but  could  never  be  persuaded  to  hold  or  bind  a 
frantic  fellow  of  his  own  complexion.  That  he  should 
dislike  all  white  men  is  very  natural. 

**  O,  'tis  a  godlike  privilege  to  save! 

And  he  that  scorns  it  is  himself  a  slave." 
The  second  case  must  excite  compassion  for  the  maniac, 
and  abhorrence  of  the  vice  of  her  master.  Last  summer 
her  temporal  sorrows  were  terminated;  but  should  that 
fashionable  gentleman,  who  will  recognise  his  own  fea- 
tures in  the  lines  of  this  memoir,  feel  some  shame  for  his 
iniquity,  when  he  finds  his  baseness  made  public,  I  shall 
not  repent  the  disclosure. 

The  young  woman,  of  whom  I  speak,  was  of  that  mixed 
complexion,  which  is  very  common  in  the  southern  sec- 
tion of  our  country;  and  the  property  of  a  West  Indian 
planter.  Her  form  was  of  surprising  beauty,  and,  had 
her  face  been  white,  few  females  could  have  eclipsed  her 
personal  glory.     Her  master  kept  her  for  his  mistress, 


VISITS    OF    MERCY.  239 

and  paid  her  such  kind  attentions  as  a  sensualist  may,  to 
pamper  his  own  insatiable  concupiscence.  Ignorant  of 
all  religious  principles  as  himself,  she  felt  no  compunc- 
tion, but  rather  rejoiced  in  her  exaltation  above  the  lot  of 
common  servants.  The  planter,  not  long  since,  remoY:ed 
from  his  plantations  to  one  of  the  United  States,  and 
brought  this  female  with  him,  that  she  might  continue  to 
administer  to  his  licentiousness.  Here  he  found,  however, 
that  the  state  of  society,  corrupt  as  it  is,  would  not  admit 
of  his  familiarity  with  a  coloured  slave.  There  are 
fashions  in  lust;  and  the  honourable  monster  in  society  must 
live  as  the  fashions  direct.  Far  to  the  south,  fashion  ad- 
mits of  a  downright  black  for  a  concubine;  but  in  the 
north,  he  may  openly  maintain,  without  being  excluded 
from  genteel  company,  as  many  prostitutes  as  he  pleases, 
provided  no  one  of  them  be  tinged  with  the  dye  of  Ethiopia. 
To  conform  to  custom,  the  planter  determined  to  main- 
tain the  morality  of  northern  bloods,  and  therefore  con- 
cluded to  put  away  his  favourite.  What  to  do  he  could 
not  easily  decide,  but  finally  he  communicated  to  her  his 
intention  of  selling  her.  His  neglect,  and  the  fear  of 
slavery,  under  any  other  circumstances  than  those  to 
which  she  had  been  accustomed,  produced  raving,  and 
confirmed  insanity.  Vain  were  all  attempts  to  make  her 
sane  again.  This  was  more  than  simple  purchasing  and 
selling  of  human  blood  and  bone.  It  was  pollution,  seduc- 
tion, cruelty,  and  death. 

'*  But  slav'ry ! — virtue  dreads  it  as  her  grave- 

Patience  Itself  is  meanness  in  a  slave. 

Or,  if  the  will  and  sov'reignty  of  God 

Bid  suffer  it  awhile,  and  kiss  the  rod. 

Wait  for  the  dawning  of  a  brig^hter  day, 

And  snap  the  chain  the  moment  when  you  may. 


240  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

Nature  imprints  upon  whate'er  we  see, 
That  has  a  heart  and  life  in  it Be  free!" 

INCONTINENCE. 

Two  instances  of  insanity  which  have  come  under  my 
observation,  have  been  caused  by  the  incontinence  of  hus- 
bands. 

An  honest,  sober,  industrious  Irish  woman,  with  her 
husband,  came  to  this  country,  and,  by  selling  the  milk 
of  a  few  cows,  obtained  comfortable  sustenance.  They 
lived  harmoniously,  and  she  was  the  mother  of  several 
children.  What  could  disturb  their  peace,  and  destroy 
their  union?  A  wicked  woman,  an  artful,  persuasive 
wretch,  gained  the  silly  heart  of  the  husband.  He  was 
caught  in  the  net  of  the  enchantress,  and  the  snare  of  the 
fowler.  With  his  children  and  the  adulteress  he  fled  from 
his  injured  wife.  Her  heart  had  been  bound  up  in  the 
welfare  of  her  partner  and  children.  Poor  Rose  I  She 
went  mad. 

It  was  no  consolation  to  her,  that  she  had  a  companion 
of  similar  sorrows,  in  the  person  of  a  blooming  young 
woman,  who  married  a  son  of  Neptune.  She  was  enter- 
prising, and  kept  a  boarding  house  to  augment  the  funds 
of  the  family.  Her  husband,  the  sailor,  was  kind,  when 
at  home,  and  what  was  his  conduct  in  foreign  ports  she 
knew  not.  The  immediate  cause  of  the  madness  of  this 
female  was  a  violation  of  the  seventh  commandment,  by 
her  partner.  A  sister,  younger  than  herself,  was  taken 
into  their  family  for  protection;  for  she  was  an  orphan; 
and  the  young  man  attempted,  with  too  fatal  success,  her 
destruction.  This  dispersed  the  family,  and  from  grief 
of  heart  the  married  sister  became  insane. 


VISITS   OF   MERCY.  241 

What  became  of  the  younger  sister? 

Her  seducer  went  to  sea,  and  she  was  kept  by  a  married 
man,  whose  intercourse  with  her  caused  his  own  wife  to 
become  insane.  Here  was  line  upon  line,  and  curse  upon 
curse.  Well  saith  the  scriptures,  "  Keep  thee  from  the  evil 
woman,  from  the  flattery  of  the  tongue  of  a  strange  wo- 
man.— For  byjmeans  of  a  whorish  woman  a  man  is  brought 
to  a  piece  of  bread;  and  the  adulteress  will  hunt  for  the 
precious  life." 

Another  instance  of  insanity  is  traced  to  the  inconti- 
nence of  the  guilty  person.  She  was  seduced,  and  went 
to  London  to  make  merchandise  of  herself,  with  more 
readiness  than  in  any  other  place.  Here  she  kept  a 
house  of  ill  fame;  and  after  having  been  in  Newgate  once, 
stole  a  watch  and  handkerchief  from  a  gentleman,  who 
spent  the  night  in  her  abode.  The  next  day  she  sold 
them  at  a  broker's  shop,  and  was  arrested.  What  a  pity 
it  is,  that  any  who  voluntarily  become  the  companions  of 
a  raging  lioness,  should  be  protected  by  the  civil  arm! 
Her  visitant  had  his  revenge.  She  says  that  she  put  her 
fingers  into  his  watch-pocket,  and  the  trinket  stuck  to 
them;  for  which  the  honourable  judges  sent  her  to  New 
South  Wales.  After  remaining  there  for  some  time,  she 
found  a  gallant,  who  stole  her  away,  and  brought  her  to 
New  York.  Here  she  lived  with  him,  until  her  excessive 
lewdness  produced  madness.  She  admits  that  she  has 
been  "  out  of  her  head,  in  consequence  of  jealousy.  '*  Her 
complaint  has  been  of  long  continuance.  For  months  she 
has  thought  herself  the  blessed  Trinity,  all  things  past, 
present,  and  to  come,  and  at  the  same  time,  the  devil. 
These  imaginations  gave  her  inconceivable  distress.  Af- 
ter she  had  told  me  all  this,  with  great  agony,  and  with 

VOL.   I.  X 


242  VISITS    OF    MERCY. 

Utter  abhorrence  of  all  who  doubted  the  truth  of  her 
assertions,  she  affirmed,  that  she  proceeded  from  the  Fa- 
ther, but  was  at  the  same  time  the  Father,  the  Son,  and 
the  Holy  Ghost;  and  because  she  would  not  marry  the 
Father,  he  was  perpetually  tormenting  her.  She  con- 
ceived that  her  flesh  was  incessantly  torn  from  her,  by 
red-hot  pincers,  and  was  renewed  again,  to  prepare  her 
for  endless  torments.  At  this  time,  she  was,  indeed,  the 
picture  of  a  damned  immortal.  Her  imaginations  and 
tortures  change,  but  she  is  incurable. 

Under  this  head  I  might  describe, 

A  wretched  female,  who  says  that  she  was  born  in  the 
yellow  house  at  Stonington;  who  thinks  that  devils  are 
filling  her  body  with  pins  and  skewers;  who  can  tell  the 
history,  name,  and  place  of  residence  of  every  person 
whom  she  sees,  and  who  believes  that  all  tilings  are  sup- 
ported by  her  prayers: 

A  wretched  female,  who  was  once  beautiful;  who  lived 
in  splendour;  who  has  become  more  insensible  than  the 
brutes;  but  who  was  once  the  mistress  of  that  fallen  vice- 
president,  whose  hands  still  bear  the  stain  of  murdered 
H : 

A  more  miserable  French  girl;  more  miserable  because 
now  rational,  but  unhappy,  whom  I  have  heard  sing  with 
the  sweetest  voice,  while  she  played  a  melting  air  upon 
her  guitar,  with  all  the  soul  of  melancholy,  in  the  cool  of 
evening: 

But  I  forbear.     Sad  victim  of  seduction! 

"  She  sat  beneath  the  birchen  tree, 
Her  elbow  resting  on  her  knee; 
She^ad  withdrawn  the  fatal  shaft, 
And  gaz'd  on  it,  and  feebly  laugh'd." 


VISITS   OF    MKRCY.  243 

Had  it  been  possible,  the  feeling  heart  v/ould  have 
given  assistance,  and  gladly  would  have  restored  perma- 
nent tranquillity. 

'•  Stranger,  it  is  in  vain!'  she  cried. 

"  This  hour  of  death  has  given  me  more 

Of  reason's  power  tlian  years  before; 

For  as  these  ebbing  veins  decay, 

My  frenzied  visions  fade  away. 

A  helpless  injured  wretch  I  die!" — Scott.  » 

THE  maniac's   creed. 

One,  of  whom  I  had  heard,  called  to  see  me  in  a  chamber 
in  which  I  was  writing.  I  did  not  know  his  person,  and 
therefore  when  a  stranger,  respectable  in  appearance,  of 
light  complexion  and  pleasant  countenance,  made  his  ap- 
pearance, I  thrust  aside  my  paper,  and  formally  gave  him 
a  seat.  He  is  a  man  of  middle  stature,  of  a  short  neck, 
and  full  habit,  who  made  me  this  visit.  With  all  the  de- 
liberation of  two  philosophers  we  entered  into  conversa- 
tion, and  he  soon  made  some  observations,  which  induced 
me  to  resume  the  pen,  that  I  might  render  permanent  the 
maniac's  creed.  He  was  not  displeased  at  it,  but  said, 
"  you  are  welcome  to  record  the  past,  but  I  must  object 
to  your  penning  any  thing  which  I  shall  communicate 
concerning  the  future." 

''  Let  me  beg  the  favour  of  your  name,  then,  sir,^'  I  said, 
and  with  a  placid  face  he  began: 

*' People  call  me  Little  John.  This  is  a  nickname, 
which  a  friend  in  Ireland  gave  me,  to  go  to  bed  by;  and 
which  I  have  kept,  to  give  to  my  many  children,  who 
bear  that  name:  but  if  the  truth  was  known,  I  am  Abel  of 
old,  the  son  of  Adam." 

Here  I  demanded  how  this  could  be,  when  the  scrip- 


244  VISITS   OF   MERCY. 

tures   inform   us,  that  Cain  killed  Abel  many  thousand 
years  ago. 

"Oh!  the  Bible  has  committed  many  such  mistakes, 
as  I  know  by  my  own  experience;  for  I  am  that  identical 
Abel,  and  his  brother  only  apparently  killed  him.  After 
that  affair,  I  appeared  under  the  form  of  Joseph  the  son 
of  Jacob,  but  was  Abel  and  Joseph  too." 

*'  Did  your  brethren,*'  I  asked,  '*  sell  you;  and  was  you 
actually  sold  in  Egypt?" 

"  Oh  I  no!  there  the  Bible  is  in  an  error  again;  for  I  was 
only  confined  awhile  in  the  iron  mines  in  Scotland.  Jo- 
seph's brethren  never  did  sell  him  into  Egypt:  I  know 
they  did  not,  for  I  am  that  Joseph,  and  should  not  I 
know?" 

<*  Joseph,  however,  died  in  Egypt." 
"  Ah!   I  appeared  to  die;  but  did  not,  for  I  was  after- 
wards Job,  the  patriarch.     You  see  that  I  am  a  fat  man, 
with  a  short  neck.     That's  the  reason,  sir,  that  Job  in  the 
primer  is  always  represented  as  a  short,thick,little  fellow." 
"  But  tell  me,  where  was  you  born?" 
*'  Why,  I  have  had  different  bodily  forms;  but  my  pre- 
sent body  was  born  of  a  Dutch  father,  and  a  sort  of  a 
Yankee  mother,  in  Pennsylvania." 

In  like  manner  he  lived  in  the  old  French  war,  and  in 
the  late  revolution,  and  perfectly  remembers  every  event, 
which  any  one  can  state  from  history.  He  is  really  not 
more  than  forty  years  of  age,  and  I  told  him  so;  but  very 
deliberately  he  went  to  work,  to  prove  his  assertions  true, 
by  his  own  consciousness  and  memory.  He  has  a  wife 
and  several  children.  He  had  property,  but  was  defraud- 
ed by  wicked  neighbours,  and  this  calamity,  together  with 
his  deism,  reduced  him  to  his  present  condition.     I  told 


VISITS  OF  MERCY.  245 

him  I  should  like  to  know  his  religious  sentiments,  if  he 
was  willing  to  state  them,  when  he  began  with, 

"I  believe  in  God,  but  not  in  Jesus  Christ.  A  Trinity 
without  him,  if  there  is  one,  make  quite  enough  persons. 
The  story  about  him  came  from  the  practice  of  a  printer's 
boy,  who,  with  wooden  cuts,  used  to  print  an  image  of 
God,  and  represent  a  man  seated  at  his  right  hand.  This 
was  all  idolatry. 

"  I  believe  that  God  lends  men  a  part  of  himself  to 
work  righteousness  with;  and  for  any  man  to  go  to  church, 
pay  his  footing  there,  and  defraud  nobody,  is  as  good  a 
job  as  he  can  do  for  his  soul." 

Here  I  desired  to  know  what  he  intended  by  paying  his 
footing  in  church.  He  said,  "  when  a  man  steps  upon 
the  floor  of  the  church,  he  helps  to  dirty  it,  and  if  he 
pays  enough  to  enable  the  door-keeper  to  wash  after  him, 
he  pays  his  footing  there;  which  I  always  did."  Then 
he  proceeded  in  his  creed. 

*'  I  believe  there  is  such  a  place  as  heaven,  where  all 
these  righteous  persons  will  be  happy.  The  wicked  will 
never  get  there.  I  believe  there  is  no  such  place  as  hell, 
although  there  might  be;  for  *tis  not  impossible  that  such 
a  place  should  exist.  Those  who  do  not  get  to  heaven? 
will  enter  into  the  service  of  everlasting  vanity.  That 
will  be  their  punishment. 

''Finally,  I  believe  that  ray  wife  will  go  to  heaven,  be* 
cause  she  has  raised  a  likely  family  of  children,  and  that's 
all  a  woman  has  to  do." 

Thus  ended  his  creed.     He  was  serious  through  the 
whole  statement,  and  persisted  in  assuring  me  that  he 
should  never  die.     These  things  he  constantly  affirms. 
This  creed  is  humbly  submitted  to  the  Arian  and  Soci- 
X  2 


246  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

nian  teachers  in  America.  Relinquishing  in  favour  of 
this,  their  hostility  to  confessions  in  general,  it  is  to  be 
expected  that  they  will  adopt  it;  and  since  they  deliver 
the  doctrines  of  Little  John,  they  will  do  him  the  honour, 
so  soon  as  their  college  shall  be  convened,  to  confer  on 
him  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Divinity. 

Alas!  for  the  cradle  of  the  sons  of  the  Pilgrims! 

the  punishment  of  infidelity. 

The  subject  of  this  last  memoir  was  a  native  of  Long- 
Island,  of  reputable  family,  and  of  Presbyterian  parent- 
age. In  childhood  he  was  religiously  educated,  and  in 
youth  was  moral  in  his  habits.  When  he  became  a  young 
mail,  he  read  the  productions  of  Voltaire,  and  other  infidel 
writers.  Their  sentiments  were  congenial  to  his  feelings, 
and  taught  him  to  reason  against  the  authenticity  and  in- 
spiration of  the  Holy  Scriptures.  In  consequence  of  his 
new  illumination,  he  discovered  that  public  worship  was 
useless,  and  of  course  absented  himself  from  the  place 
where  prayer  is  wont  to  be  made.  His  sabbaths  were 
spent  at  his  father's  house,  which  was  a  tavern,  in  the 
common  business  of  the  week;  and  all  times  were  alike 
to  him.  He  was  a  punctual  and  prudent  man  in  all  pecu- 
niary transactions,  and  as  a  neighbour,  was  highly  re- 
spected by  the  inhabitants  of  his  native  village. 

When  about  thirty-five  years  of  age,  he  was  in  the 
habit  of  exporting  produce  to  the  West  Indies;  and  went 
in  person,  almost  every  summer,  to  carry  on  the  traffic  to 
advantage.     Previous  to  one  of  his   voyages,  he  visited 

a  Mrs.  C 11,   at  Rockaway,  who   is   unusually  pious. 

He  was  frequently  a  visiter  at  the  house  of  this  good  wo- 
man; but  on  this  visit,  which  was  in  the  summer,  he  was 


vrSITS  OF  MERCY.  247 

accompanied  by  a  man,  whose  opinions  corresponded  with 
his  own.  They  did  not  hesitate  to  disclose  their  views 
of  the  word  of  God,  a  future  state,  and  divine  things. 

Mrs.  C 11  said,  concluding  her  argument  with  them, 

that  she  hoped  they  would  think  differently  before  it  was 
too  late. 

*'  It  will  never  be  too  late,"  rejoined  the  Deists,  *'  for 
any  but  cowards!" 

In  the  autumn  after  this  conversation,  H n  the  Deist, 

of  whom  I  write,  set  sail  with  his  produce  for  a  southern 
market.  While  he  was  absent,  his  unbelieving  friend  was 
attacked  with  mortal  disease,  and  shuddered  at  the  thought 
of  meeting  a  holy  God  in  judgment.  He  expressed  his 
great  anxiety,  and  in  agony  of  mind  renounced  his  delu- 
sions.    He   died.     On  the  return  of  H n,  the  pious 

woman  made  him  acquainted  with  the  circumstances  of 
his  friend's  departure  from  this  life,  with  the  desire  of 
impressing  on  his  conscience  the  necessity  of  preparing 

to  appear  before  God,  the  Just  One.     All  that  H n 

would  say,  however,  was  this:  "  I  am  sorry  that  my  friend 
died  like  a  coward." 

After  this  admonition,  for  the  space  of  two  years,  the 
mind  of  this  unhappy  man  found  little  quietude.  He  dis- 
puted, sometimes  less  against  Christianity  than  formerly; 
and  sometimes  more,  with  greater  bitterness.  On  his 
passage  homeward  in  his  last  voyage,  his  soul  was  like 
the  troubled  sea;  and,  when  he  was  in  the  midst  of  his 
marine  path,  a  storm  descended  heavily  upon  the  ship. 
At  a  particular  hour,  during  this  tempest,  he  entertained 
a  persuasion,  for  which  he  could  not  account,  that  his 
mother  was  dying;  and  even  observed  the  time  by  his 
watch  when  he  thought  that  she  gave  up  her  spirit.     It 


248  VISITS  OF  MERCY. 

is  not  for  me  to  account  for  such  mental  impressions  as  I 

have  no  doubt  H n  actually  felt.*     Let  me  simply 

state  the  fact.  On  his  arrival  at  home  he  found  his  mo- 
ther dead.  He  told  his  friends  what  had  been  his  pre- 
sentimentj  and  at  v^^hat  hour  he  thought  she  breathed  her 
last  breath.  It  proved,  so  nearly  as  the  family  could  re- 
member, that  she  actually  died  on  the  same  day,  and  in 
the  course  of  the  same  hour,  which  he  designated.  What 
renders  this  event  more  remarkable  is  this,  that  the  mo- 
ther was  taken  away  in  perfect  health.  She  was  eating, 
and  some  food  entering  the  larynx,  prevented  any  future 
respiration. 

The  mind  of  H n,  from  this  time,  became  habitu- 
ally gloomy.  He  felt  himself  guilty  and  wretched,  but 
did  not  believe  in  Christ,  the  way  to  pardon,  peace  of 
conscience,  consolation  in  tribulation,  and  everlasting 
felicity.  The  depression  of  his  soul  soon  became  so  great, 
that  reason  was  banished  from  the  seat  of  her  dominion. 
In  a  frantic  state  of  mind  he  stabbed  his  niece,  whom  he 
tenderly  loved,  because  he  loved  her,  and  was  apprehen- 

•  On  the  9th  of  June,  1812,  that  classical  scholar,  that  eloquent 
orator,  and  that  amiable  man,  the  Rev.  Joseph  S.  Buckminster,  of 
Boston,  died.  On  this  same  day,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Buckminster,  who  had 
not  heard  of  his  son's  sickness,  and  who  could  not  have  had  any  com- 
munication by  human  means,  said  to  his  wife,  "  my  dear,  Joseph  is 
dead."  She  replied  that  he  could  not  know  that,  and  his  persuasion 
must  have  arisen  from  his  fond  anxiety.  He  persisted  in  saying-  that 
he  knew  that  his  son  had  in  that  very  hour  expired.  This  proved  to 
have  been  the  fact,  and  on  the  next  day,  the  father,  a  most  tender 
father,  and  eminent  minister  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  entered  into 
bis  eternal  rest.  Many  similar  cases  might  be  supported  by  indisputa- 
ble evidence.  Cannot  he  who  formed  the  mind  communicate  directly 
information,  without  the  intervention  of  the  senses^ 


VISITS   OF   MERCY.  249 

sive  that  she  would  starve.  Three  times  he  attempted  to 
hang  himself,  before  he  was  brought  to  an  asylum.  Once 
he  had  suspended  himself  in  the  barn,  and  was,  at  the 
moment  of  suspension,  discovered  by  one,  who  held  him 
up,  until  he  was  delivered  from  the  rope.  Once  he  hung 
himself  to  a  hook  in  the  ceiling,  but  that  having  become 
rusty,  broke,  and  left  him  on  the  floor.  At  the  third  at- 
tempt he  could  command  only  a  handkerchief  and  the 
upper  corner  of  a  door,  from  which  he  was  protruded  by 
involuntary  struggling,  before  suffocation  took  place. 
Finally,  he  was  brought  to  a  benevolent  Institution  with 
his  throat  cutj  and  was  prevented,  for  a  time,  from  intrud- 
ing into  the  presence  of  his  Judge. 

After  his  wounds  were  perfectly  healed,  I  conversed 
with  him  on  religious  subjects,  and  he  was  perfectly  ra- 
tional, until  the  principles,  to  which  he  had  assented, 
were  applied  to  his  own  case. 

''God  is  able  and  willing  to  save  unto  the  uttermost 
all  who  come  unto  him." 

"  That  is  unquestionable,"  he  would  answer. 

"  Then  he  is  able  and  willing  to  save  you." 

"Oh I  no!  there  are  exceptions  to  all  general  rulesj 
and  God  is  a  sovereign:  he  will  not  save  me:  for,  I  have 
been  such  a  sinner,  that  God  is  miserable  while  I  am  out 
of  misery.  I  ought  to  suffer.  It  is  my  duty  to  suffer  for 
ever."  This  was  the  train  of  his  thought,  and  he  ap- 
peared to  court  misery,  because  it  was  his  duty  to  suffer, 
that  the  glory  of  God  might  be  promoted.  Indeed,  if 
there  is  any  such  thing  as  a  desire  to  be  damned  for  the 

glory  of  God,  as  some  writers  assert,  H n  certainly 

possessed  that  grace;  but  it  was  only  in  a  state  of  insanity, 
and  indescribable  misery.     To  perform  his  duty,  he  re- 


250  VISITS   OF   MERCY. 

fused  to  shave,  and  for  a  long  time  endeavoured  to  starve 
himself.  Finally,  he  became  quite  resigned,  and  said  he 
would  permit  the  Lord  to  punish  him,  as  much  as  he 
pleased,  without  increasing  the  torment  by  his  own  ab- 
stemiousness and  self-denying  inventions.  The  black 
man,  who  assisted  in  putting  him  into  the  shower  bath, 
he  conceived  to  be  the  devil;  and  imagined  that  he  was 
to  stand  naked,  and  have  cold  drops  of  water  fall  on  him, 
through  eternity.  He  lived  in  continual  dread  of  being 
everlastingly  afflicted  with  vile  distempers;  and  from  day 
to  day,  proclaimed  that  to-morrow  he  should  be  in  hell. 

When  he  was  favoured  with  a  partial  respite  from  his 
horrors,  he  would  read  the  Bible,  until  he  came  to  some- 
thing which  he  did  not  understand.  Then  he  would  ask 
explanations  of  his  keeper,  and  if  his  remarks  were  unsatis- 
factory, would  cast  down  the  book  with  indignation,  be- 
cause it  was  incomprehensible. 

Sometimes  H — n  would  indulge  himself  for  a  few  mo- 
ments in  cheerful  conversation,  and  then  suddenly  check 
himself,  and  revert  to  his  gloom,  saying,  ''but  this  is  not 
suitable  for  one  who  to-morrow  must  commence  a  perpe- 
tuity of  torment." 

Not  long  previous  to  his  death,  a  brother,  wlio  had 
been  confirmed  by  him  in  unbelief,  came  to  pay  him  a  visit. 
The  conversation  was  deeply  interesting  and  solemn. 

"  Ben,  you  see  the  state  I  am  now  in;  and  you  know 
how  I  was  brought  to  this  condition.  My  present  agonies 
are  unutterable,  and  what  must  damnation  be  to  a  guilty 


sinner 


?" 


''O  fudge!  fudge,  John!  Cheer  up;  don't  make  a  fool  of 
yourself!  Why  should  you  trouble  yourself  about  religion, 
and  be  gloomy?" 


VISITS   OF  MERCY.  251 

**  Yes,  Ben,  I  have  made  a  fool  of  myself  by  reading 
those  accursed  books,  and  despising  the  Bible.  You  can- 
not laugh  me  out  of  my  present  condition.  You  know 
that  I  am  miserable  now,  and  I  tell  you  that  my  false  ideas 
of  religion  have  produced  all  that  suffering  which  you  wit- 
ness. Ben,  I  am  in  hell !  O  be  warned  by  me!  You  cannot 
teach  me  any  thing  new  against  the  Bible,  for  I  taught 
you  all  the  infidelity  which  you  know;  but  if  this  was  my 
last  breath,  I  should  say  to  you,  "change  your  way  of 
thinking;  for  your  present  plan  will  not  answer." 

In  this  strain  H — n  conversed  with  his  brother  for  more 
than  an  hour;  but  after  all,  Ben  departed,  saying,  "  Oh  I 
poh!  John,  don't  make  a  fool  of  yourself!" 

One  week  before  the  death  of  H — n,  a  person  in  the 
next  room  hung  himself.  Some  conversation  arose  from 
this  case  between  H — n  and  his  keeper. 

Keeper.  "A  man  must  be  in  great  agony,  I  think,  and 
must  be  very  bold,  to  enter  uncalled  the  eternal  world." 

H — n.  *'  It  is  not  boldness,  but  cowardice,  which  tempts 
men  to  destroy  their  own  lives.  Is  not  that  man  a  coward, 
who  shrinks  from  the  common  lot  of  humanity?  It  is  really 
weakness,  to  kill  one's  self  from  dread  of  calamity,  or 
weight  of  temporal  suffering.  Men  ought  to  bear  life,  and 
not  shrink  from  petty  evils." 

Such  was  his  language,  and  no  one  supposed  that  he 
retained  a  thought  of  performing  the  action  which  he 
condemned.  But  his  sufferings  he  deemed  unlike  those 
of  other  men.  His  were  the  agonies  of  one  already  damn- 
ed, who  must  suffer,  or  the  eternal  Judge  would  suffer. 
He  thought  God  was  in  misery  so  long  as  he  was  out  of 
hell.  In  an  hour,  therefore,  when  nothing  was  apprehend- 
ed, he  made  fast  his  cravat  to  the  grates  o^  his  window, 


I 

252  VISITS   OF  MKRCY. 

and  while  his  back  was  against  the  wall,  kneeled  down,  at 
the  same  time  bending  his  body  forward,  and  strangled 
himself. 

"  Like  helpless  sailors  in  a  ship  on  fire, 
He  boldly  plung'd  to  shun  a  fate  more  dire.* 

But,  alas!  who,  that  being  often  reproved  hardeneth 
himself,  can  escape  everlasting  burnings?  Must  we  not 
say  concerning  many  who  imagine  that  they  choose  the 
most  favourable  alternative,  "  in  preferring  death  by  your 
own  hands,  to  present  anguish,  you  become  secure  of 
hell?'* 


**———— But  his  doom 

Reserv'd  him  to  more  wrath;  for  now  the  thought 
Both  of  lost  happiness  and  lasting  pain 
Torments  him ." 


CONCLUSION. 

The  mind  of  the  reader  has  now  been  conducted  through 
many  scenes  of  poverty,  misery,  and  madness;  and  if  some 
statements  should  be  deemed  obnoxous  to  delicacy,  the 
writer  makes  this  apology,  that  some  persons  may  be 
warned  by  the  record  of  horrible  facts,  who  would  be  un- 
moved at  common  occurrences.  There  are  many  persons, 
whose  feelings  are  of  a  coarse  texture,  who  require  different 
treatment  from  that  which  would  be  adapted  to  gentle 
souls.  He  would  benefit  the  rough  as  well  as  the  mild; 
and  the  former,  even  in  polite  circles,  are  most  numerous. 
The  writer  has  sincerely  attempted  to  avoid  such  allusions 
as  produce  a  blush,  while  his  first  aim  was  to  deter  those 
thoughtless  persons  from  vice,  who  are  most  liable  to  it; 


CONCLUSIO 

and  if  any  reader  should  be  conscious  that  he  is  not  too  delicate 
to  commit  gross  iniquity,  let  him  not  be  fastidious  in  his 
judgment  of  the  Journal. 

The  reader  who  has  gained  any  useful  information,  may 
congratulate  himself,  that  he  has  been  a  witness  of  solemn 
scenes,  without  experiencing  the  actual  inconveniences  of 
one  who  has  been  personally  concerned  in  them.  It  is 
easier  to  visit  the  sick  by  proxy  than  in  person;  and  it 
must  be  more  agreeable  to  gain  the  knowledge  of  some 
facts,  by  reading  than  by  actual  observation. 

Since  he  has  ceased  to  record  the  occurrences  of  the  day, 
the  usual  services  of  the  stated  preacher  have  been  per- 
formed. Many  new  cases  of  conviction,  and  apparent 
penitence,  have  presented  themselves;  and  it  is  probable 
that  the  Journal  of  one  year,  with  few  alterations,  would 
describe  the  moral  state  of  the  hospital  and  alms-house 
for  every  year,  in  which  the  same  religious  services  should 
be  performed. 

To  those  who  have  contributed  to  the  support  of  the 
author,  he  presents  his  thanks;  for  they  have  made  him 
their  almoner.  //  is  his  intention  to  perform  in  future^  so  far 
us  it  is  possible^  the  same  sort  of  service  to  the  hospital  and  alms- 
house; but  for  many  reasons,  which  he  would  not  wish  to 
state,  he  takes  this  opportunity  of  announcing  to  his 
friends  and  the  public,  that  all  subscriptions  in  his  favour 
shall  be  considered  null  from  the  1st  of  January,  1812,  and 
ever  after.  The  payment  of  what  was  previously  due 
will  in  no  case  be  demanded. 

He  cannot  refrain  from  expressing  a  firm  hope,  that 
when  God  in  his  providence  shall  restore  prosperity  to 
our  country,  if  not  before,  something  will  be  done  to  ren- 
voi i.  T 


Sft 


254  cottcTusion* 

der  the  maintainance  of  some  successor  in  his  office  per- 
manent. 

The  instability  of  temporal  property  should  make  those 
lyho  possess  it  willing  to  communicate  when  duty  calls; 
and  beyond  a  question,  this  city,  more  distinguished  for 
religious  liberality  than  any  in  our  country,  will  not  allow 
posterity  to  say,  "  the  public  hospitals  and  alms-houses  of 
Europe,  and  of  many  cities  in  the  United  States,  had  their 
chaplains;  but  in  New-York  two  hundred  persons  died 
yearly  without  the  benefit  of  religious  instruction." 

In  the  course  of  two  years  some  of  the  subscribers  have 
been  reduced  from  affluence  to  poverty;  and  who  may  not 
experience  disappointment?  Who  may  not  be  brought  to 
the  necessity  of  living  on  public  bounty?  Who  on  his  bed 
of  death  may  not  be  thankful  for  a  visit  from  some  public 
preacher  to  the  poorP 

What  father,  or  mother,  can  affirm,  that  the  children 
of  the  tenderest  affections  and  most  fond'parental  anxiety, 
may  not  act  the  part  of  prodigals?  Let  not  fastidiousness 
prevent  guardians  from  giving  timely  warning.  Let 
thoughtless  young  people  learn,  that  many  of  the  misera- 
bly afflicted  beings  with  whom  I  have  had  ministerial  inter- 
course, were  once  as  beautiful,  as  gay,  as  highly  favoured, 
as  rich,  and  prudent  as  themselves. 

The  lessons  which  might  be  taught,  and  which  would 
very  naturally  result  from  the  annals  of  the  poor,  are  many. 
I  could  wish  that  the  cases  of  insanity,  particularly,  might 
be  rendered  useful.  That  some  application  of  that  part 
of  the  journal  rnay  be  made,  I  shall  conclude  this  little 
volume,  with 


THE  MANIAC; 

Ji  Sermon,  delivered  at  the  Thursday  Lecture,  in  Boston,  on 
the  \Uh  of  September.  Ji.  D.  1809.* 


Thou  art  beside  thyself."- .Acts  2G.  24 


The  learned  Paul  was  esteemed  a  maniac. 

Not,  however,  while  he  trusted  in  pharisaical  morality 
for  justification;  not  while  he  was  exceedingly  mad  against 
the  humble,  benevolent  disciples  of  Jesus,  and  persecuted 
men,  women,  and  children,  even  unto  strange  cities;  not 
while  he  held  the  clothes  of  those  who  stoned  Stephen,  for 
preaching  Christ  crucified,  and  with  eager  joy  consented 
to  his  death. 

All  this,  in  the  opinion  of  his  very  liberal  countrymen, 
was  wisdom,  moderation,  and  Catholicism. 

The  charge  of  madness  was  brought  against  Paul  for 
delivering  a  sensible,  interesting,  and  solemn  address; 
for  manifesting  that  same  spirit  which  induced  Stephen 
to  promulgate  Christianity,  seal  the  truth  with  his  blood, 
pray  for  his  enemies,  and  commit  his  departing  soul  to 
the  Lord  Jesus,  his  omnipresent  and  almighty  Saviour. 

*  Immediately  after  this  Sermon  was  delivered,  a  copy  of  it  for  tlie 
press  was  requested  by  many  reverend  gentlemen.  The  author's 
late  observations  on  maniacs  have  more  completely  convinced  him 
of  the  accuracy  of  his  sentiments,  which  he  then  delivered;  and  he 
now  presents  them  with  the  discourse,  in  connexion  with  the  preceding' 
account  of  insane  persons^ 


256  THE  MANIAC, 

The  history  connected  with  our  text,  and  necessary  to 
the  elucidation  of  it,  is  this. 

Paul,  a  servant  of  Jesus  Christ,  having  preached  the 
gospel  to  the  Gentiles,  and  having  received  from  many  of 
the  newly  established  churches  charitable  contributions, 
for  the  relief  of  the  poor,  went  to  Jerusalem,  bearing 
gifts  for  his  own  nation.  The  afflicted  saints  were  fed, 
clothed,  and  comforted,  by  the  beneficence  of  the  Gentile 
converts. 

But  many  of  the  Jews  were  enraged  against  Paul  for 
teaching,  as  they  supposed,  the  converted  heathen  to  for- 
sake the  law  of  Moses.  The  ancient  ecclesiastical  esta- 
blishments they  thought  to  be  endangered  by  the  founda- 
tion of  a  new  church.*  Instigated  by  resentment,  and  a 
zeal  contrary  to  knowledge,  the  Scribes,  Pharisees,  and 
friends  of  righteousness  without  faith  in  Christ,  came 
upon  the  apostle  in  the  temple,  and  would  have  assassi- 
nated him  for  heresy.  They  could  make  void  the  law  of 
God  by  their  traditions,  and  tolerate  every  error,  except 
that  of  attachment  to  the  doctrines  and  institutions  of 
Christianity. 

A  Roman  garrison,  which  was  stationed  in  a  small  cas- 
tle, near  the  temple,  quelled  the  tumult,  and  delivered 
Paul  from  the  tribunal  of  an  enraged  populace. 

Unwilling,  however,  that  the  apostle  should  escape  from 
their  tender  mercies,,  the  multitude  followed  the  soldiers, 
who  were  conducting  him  to  the  castle,  and  exclaimed, 
"away  with  him:"  but  he  forgave  and  pitied  them;  he 
obtained  liberty  of  speech,  and  made  his  defence,  in  hope 
of  their  conviction.     Paul  declared  his  manner  of  life,  his 

*  Great  opposition  was  made  at  this  time  against  the  erection  of  the 
church  in  Park  street,  Boston. 


A  SERMON.  257 

early  education,  his  conversion  to  the  Christian  religion, 
and  the  reasons  of  his  preaching  the  gospel  to  the  Gen- 
tiles. 

So  soon  as  he  spake  of  the  salvation  of  the  heathen,  the 
Jews  were  wrought  up  to  madness,  and  exclaimed  with 
the  malevolence  and  fury  of  fiends,  "  Away  with  this  fel- 
low from  the  earth,  for  it  is  not  fit  that  he  should  live." 

On  the  next  day,  the  chief  captain  of  the  Roman  band, 
presented  Paul  before  the  Sanhedrim,  where  he  openly 
avowed  that  .he  preached  the  doctrines  of  the  cross,  and 
especially  the  future  resurrection  of  the  dead. 

This  excited  such  a  fierce  contest  between  the  two  prin- 
cipal Jewish  sects,  that  Paul  was  in  danger  of  being  torn 
asunder.  The  commander  of  the  garrison  again  rescued 
this  undaunted  minister  of  Jesus;  and  to  preserve  his  life 
against  the  attacks  of  a  band  of  conspirators,  sent  him 
under  a  strong  guard  to  Caesarea.  In  that  place,  he  stood 
before  the  Roman  governor,  to  defend  himself  against  the 
malicious  accusations  of  his  countrymen. 

Before  Felix  he  reasoned  of  righteousness,  temperance, 
and  the  future  judgment,  with  such  efficacy,  that  a  proud, 
adulterous  ruler  trembled.  Was  such  reasoning  a  proof 
of  madness? 

Festus  succeeded  Felix  in  office,  and  before  this  Roman 
governor,  associated  with  king  Agrippa,  the  apostle  Paul 
espoused  and  vindicated  Christ's  cause.  It  was  the  cause 
nearest  his  heart.  It  was  his  hope,  his  joy,  his  everlasting 
salvation.  He  was  not  ashamed  to  express  his  hope;  to 
publish  his  confidence  in  the  promises  of  God  made  to  the 
fathers  concerning  the  Messiah;  and  to  reveal  his  expec- 
tation of  a  future  resurrection,  when  Jesus  shall  judge  the 

Y  2 


258  THE  MANIAC, 

world  in  righteousness.  He  relates  the  history  of  his  mi- 
raculous conversion,  and  proves  himself  to  have  been  com- 
missioned by  Jesus  Christ,  who  personally  appeared  to 
him,  after  his  crucifixion,  burial,  re-animation,  and  ascen- 
sion. 

Hear  the  conclusion  of  his  eloquent  defence. 

'*  Whereupon,  O  king  Agrippa,  I  was  not  disobedient 
to  the  heavenly  vision;  but  showed  first  unto  them  of  Da- 
mascus, and  at  Jerusalem,  and  throughout  all  the  coasts 
of  Judea,  and  then  to  the  Gentiles,  that  they  should  repent, 
and  turn  to  God,  and  do  works  meet  for  repentance.  For 
these  causes  the  Jews  caught  me  in  the  temple,  and  went 
about  to  kill  me.  Having,  however,  obtained  help  of  God, 
I  continue  unto  this  day,  witnessing  both  to  small  and 
great,  saying  none  other  things  than  those  which  Moses 
and  the  prophets  did  say  should  come;  that  Christ  should 
suffer,  and  that  he  should  be  the  first  which  should  rise 
from  the  dead,  and  should  show  light  unto  the  people, 
and  to  the  Gentiles.'* 

What  was  irrational  in  this  discourse.^  In  what  respect 
did  Paul  conduct  like  a  maniac?  He  had  no  sooner  utter- 
ed these  words,  than  Festus  exclaimed,  with  a  loud  voice, 
''  Paul,  thou  art  beside  thyself:  much  learning  doth  make 
thee  mad." 

Passion  did  not  dictate  the  reply;  "  I  am  not  mad, 
most  noble  Festus;  but  speak  forth  the  words  of  truth 
and  soberness."  Judge  ye,  my  hearers,  whether  Paul  or 
Festus  was  beside  himself. 

To  king  Agrippa,  the  apostle  appealed  for  the  truth  of 
what  he  said,  in  such  persuasive  and  convincing  language, 
that  the  proud  monarch,  forgetting  the  prejudices  of  Juda- 
ism, confessed  to  the  prisoner,  arraigned  at  his  bar, ''  al- 


A  SERMON,  259 

jnost  thou  per suadest  me  to  he  a  Christian."  He  was  al- 
most inclined  to  renounce  his  regal  honours,  and  take  part 
with  the  persecuted  believers  in  Christ.  Was  such  rea- 
soning or  such  eloquence  the  indication  of  insanity? 

Paul,  my  hearers,  is  not  the  only  Christian  who  has 
been  charged  with  madness,  for  a  firm  and  spirited  ad- 
herence to  his  religious  principles^  nor  is  Festus  the  only 
accuser. 

In  many  places,  it  has  become  a  common  thing,  for  the 
irreligious  to  say,  that  serious,  prayerful,  active  believers 
are  beside  themselves.  If  any  one  is  anxious  to  know  the 
way  of  salvation,  and  mourns  in  spirit  for  his  past  trans- 
gressions, he  is  pitied  by  the  fashionable  unbelievers,  as 
a  "  poor  creature,"  bereft  of  his  senses.  If  professing 
Christians  act  like  dying,  accountable  men,  and  speak, 
either  from  the  pulpit,  or  in  the  private  circle,  as  sincere 
persons,  who  believe  religion  to  be  a  matter  of  infinite 
consequence,  there  are  many  to  ridicule  them  as  *'  wild 
enthusiasts."  Even  in  this  protestant  country,  some  have 
ascended  the  sacred  pulpit  to  proclaim,  that  every  one 
is  beside  himself,  "is  a  fanatic,  or  a  fool,  or  a  babbler 
employed  by  some  self-created  pope,"*  who  dares  to  assert, 
that  God  was  in  Christ,  manifest  in  the  fleshy  that  Jesus 
died,  to  save  sinners  by  his  blood;  that  sinners  must  be  re- 
newed in  disposition  by  the  Spirit  of  God ;  that  the  finally 
impenitent  shall  die  accursed  ;  and  that  every  believer 
shall  be  *'  kept,  by  the  power  of  God,  through  faith  unto 
salvation."!  So  absurd  is  the  language  of  the  perfect 
teacher,  sent  from  God,  now  esteemed,  that  he  is  accounted 

•  In  the  audience  was  a  clergyman,  who  had  lately  used  this  lan- 
guage against  all  Calvinists. 
t  1  Pet.  i.  5. 


260  THE  MANIAC, 

mad,  who  preaches,  that,  "  except  a  man  be  horn  again* 
he  cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God."  In  short, 
every  professedly  candid  theologist,  who  contends  for 
liberty  of  conscience,  which  was  never  denied  him,  and 
embraces  all  errors  in  his  unbounded  charity,  excepting 
the  error  of  maintaining  with  christian  zeal  the  pure  doc- 
trines of  Christianity,  will  say  to  the  spirit  of  every  de- 
parted Christian  father,  who  opposed  damning  lies,  "thou 
wast  beside  thyself^'*  and  to  every  one  who  survives,  to 
preach  Christ,  with  the  spirit  of  the  puritans,  the  martyrs, 
the  pious  reformers,  the  apostles,  ''thou  art  mad." 

Paul  was  no  maniac.    It  was  Festus  who  was  mad. 

Those  who  scorn  the  lifeless  morality  of  formalists, 
and  preach  the  peculiar  doctrines  of  our  holy  religion; 
who  say  from  the  heart,  '*  God  forbid  that  I  should  glory 
save  in  the  cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,"  are  not  de- 
prived of  understanding.  They  neither  ask  the  pity  of 
their  opponents,  nor  deserve  their  contempt.f 

*  A  Rev.  Dr.  was  present,  who  had  pronounced  this  expression  too 
indelicate  for  the  pulpit. 

f  When  this  sentence  was  uttered,  a  Rev.  Chauncean  and  Socinian 
Universalist  was  seated  in  the  same  pulpit  with  the  author.  Not  lon^ 
previous  to  the  delivery  txf  this  discourse,  this  gentleman  dined  in 
company  with  Dr.  KoUock,  a  Calvinist,  and  with  many  Socinian  teach- 
ers. Dr.  Kollock  was  too  polite  to  commence  a  controversy  at  the 
social  board;  but  the  Socinian  gentlemen  gave  him  many  thrusts, 
which  he  did  not  attempt  to  parry,  because  a  Calvinist  does  not  de- 
light to  draw  his  sword  against  those  wlio  attack  him  with  bodkins. 
Finally,  the  Universalist  said,  "  Well,  Dr.  Kollock,  1  sincerely  pity  the 
poor  Calvinists:  they  have  nothing  to  say  for  themselves." 

On  hearing  this,  the  Calvinistic  Doctor  laid  down  his  knife  and  fork, 
saying,  **  Mr.  E n,  the  Calvinists  neither  ask  your  pit)',  nor  de- 
serve your  contempt.     You  had  much  better  reserve  them  for  your 


A  SERMON.  261 

Truth  constrains  me  to  retort  the  charge  of  insanity. 

Those  who  lightly  esteem  the  Rock  of  our  salvation,  who 
say  that  without  shedding  of  blood  there  is  remission  of 
sins;  who  deny  the  Lord  who  bought  them;  who  deride 
the  work  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  yet  call  themselves  be- 
lievers, and  even  Christian  ministers,  are  chargeable  with 
lunacy.     Every  impenitent  sinner  is  beside  himself. 

"It  is  an  easy  thing,"  you  will  say,  **  for  the  preacher 
to  make  bold  assertions.  It  is  of  little  avail  to  call  hard 
names."  We  grant  this:  and  wish  it  to  be  considered  as 
equally  true,  when  the  defender  of  what  we  deem  heresy 
calls  sound  doctrine  madness;  and  brands  Paul,  and  the 
greater  part  of  Christ's  ministers,  "  of  whom  the  world, 
was  not  worthy,"  with  this  label;  "  these  are  the  bigots, 
bedlamites,  and  off  scouring  of  creation*'^ 

You  rationally  demand  proof  that  the  impenitent  are 
beside  themselves.  Will  you  suffer  me  to  introduce  the 
testimony  of  God  as  conclusive  upon  this  subject?  The 
heart  of  the  sons  of  men  is  full  of  evil,  and  madness  is  in  their 
heart  while  they  live."  This  is  said  of  every  one  who  is 
not  ''  created  anew  in  Christ  Jesus,'*  Do  you  object  to  the 
divine  declaration,  (for  some  have  such  impudence!)  and 
still  say,  "  assertion  is  not  evidence?" 

Come  then,  self-styled  friends  of  reason,  and  let  us  trace 
an  analogy  between  natural  maniacs,  and  those  who  re- 
nounce the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  You  profess  that  you  will 
listen  to  reason,  while  you  dispute  against  the  word  of  life, 

I.  Maniacs  are  much  given  to  false  imaginations;  and 
so  are  all  the  enemies  of  the  cross.  Beggars,  deranged 
in  intellect,  have  thought  themselves  noblemen  and  kings, 

friends."    From  this  text  Dr.  Kollock  proceeded  to  preach  Christ  to 
the  whole  circle. 


262  THE  MANIAC, 

and  in  consequence  of  such  false  ideas,  have  imagined 
that  they  ought  to  receive  the  respect  due  to  noble  per- 
sonages. 

Others,  bereft  of  their  senses,  have  conceived  their 
best  friends  to  be  enemies,  or  have  thought  themselves 
poor,  wretched,  and  disconsolate,  while  surrounded  by 
affluence,  luxuries,  and  comforters.  Some  lunatics  have 
imagined  that  they  could  see  spirits  in  the  air,  or  converse 
with  the  deadj  others,  that  they  were  favourite  prophets 
of  the  Supreme  Being;  that  they  were  ambassadors  of 
peace  to  the  contending  nations;  that  they  were  sent  to 
restore  the  Jews,  or  act  as  God's  vicegerents  on  the  earth. 
Locke  speaks  of  maniacs,  who  imagined  that  their  bodies 
were  composed  of  glass,  and  who,  in  consequence  of  this 
delusion,  took  unceasing  pains  to  preserve  their  limbs 
from  accidents,  common  to  that  brittle  substance.  In 
fine,  lunatics  generally  imagine  themselves  and  others  to  be, 
what  they  are  not.  This  is  precisely  the  case  with  impeni- 
tent, unbelieving,  unrenewed  sinners.  They  have  false 
imaginations  concerning  themselves,  God,  Christ,  and 
THE  ADVERSARY  of  souls.  They  flatter  themselves  that 
all  these  beings  are^  what  they  are  not. 

Often  the  wicked  imagine  themselves  the  children  of 
God,  while  they  are  sons  of  perdition.  They  think  to  be 
Christians,  without  having  that  belief  of  the  heart,  which 
is  essential  to  every  other  christian  grace. 

They  are  holy,  and  prepared  for  heaven,  without  re- 
generation, sanctification,  or  one  single  exercise  of  holi- 
ness. They  imagine  themselves  in  the  way  to  everlasting 
life,  before  they  have  been  turned  from  darkness  to  light; 
while  their  feet  are  in  the  broad  path  to  destruction;  while 
their  steps  take  hold  on  hell.     They  claim  to  be  disciples 


A  SERMO».  263 

of  Jesus,  while  they  know  not  his  voice,  while  they  re- 
fuse to  accept  him  as  their  prophet  to  instruct,  their  priest 
to  atonej  and  their  sovereign  to  rule  and  defend 5  while  he 
is  constantly  saying  in  his  word,  *'  I  acknowledge  you  not; 
depart  from  me,  ye  workers  of  iniquity. " 

God,  they  sometimes  deem  a  being  altogether  like 
themselves,  and  sometimes  one  as  capricious,  fond,  stupid, 
or  inanimate,  as  their  wicked  hearts  choose  he  should  be. 

Now,  they  imagine  him  too  just  to  pardon  those  whom 
they  hate:  and  now,  again,  too  good  to  punish  themselves, 
everlastingly,  for  any  of  their  crimes.  To  suit  their  pre- 
sent purpose,  they  consider  him  as  arbitrary;  and  to 
please  another  fancy,  they  will  deny  that  he  created  and 
governs  the  universe  by  predeterminate  counsel.  Jeho- 
vah saith,  "my  counsel  shall  stand,  and  I  will  do  all  my 
pleasure;*'  but  they  reply,  "  decree  is  fate;  why  then  find 
fault?  Thy  counsel  is  contingency;  or  human  agency  is 
constraint,  and  divine  justice  all  a  farce.*'  They  confess 
that  they  have  never  experienced  the  washing  of  regene- 
ration, but  still  imagine  that  God  loves  them,  while  they 
are  the  abhorrence  of  his  eyes ;  while  he  is  angry  with 
them  every  day,  and  proclaims  himself  a  "  God  of  ven- 
geance," who  will  prove  a  ''  consuming  fire." 

Concerning  Christ,  their  imaginations  are  equally  wild. 
Some  of  the  impenitent  deem  him  an  impostor,  and  deny- 
ing the  Holy  Ghost  to  have  had  supernatural  influence  in 
his  conception,  impiously  call  him  the  illegitimate  child 
of  Mary.  Others,  of  almost  equal  audacity,  affirm,  con- 
trary to  the  word  of  God,  that  he  was  the  actual  descend- 
ant of  Joseph.  Many  consent  that  Jesus  was  a  teacher 
sent  from  God,  but  doubt  his  perfection.  Others  ima- 
gine that  he  is  the  first  of  all  creatures;  and  others,  that 


264  THE  MANIAC, 

he  is  nothing  more  than  a  very  good  man.  Some  consider 
him  as  destitute  of  a  human  soul,  and  think  the  divinity 
was  united  to  nothing  but  an  animal  form.  Are  not  these 
men  beside  themselves,  when  the  holy  Scriptures  declare 
Jesus  Christ  to  be  *'Me  only  begotten  Son  of  God;''  conceived 
by  the  Holy  Ghost;  the  man  who  is  the  only  Mediator,  and 
God  with  us,  God  over  all,  the  only  wise  God,  even  our  Father P 

What  seems  to  be  a  still  stronger  proof  of  insanity,  is 
the  mutual  coalescence  between  these  opposers  of  the 
true  character  of  Christ.  They  agree  to  receive  each 
other  as  the  friends  of  Jesus,  and  entertain  complacency 
in  the  heresy  of  every  co-partner.  They  deem  it  passing 
strange,  that  those  who  worship  and  serve  Christ  as  God, 
cannot,  consistently  with  their  own  sentiments,  become 
members  of  their  community,  tolerate  rebellion  against 
the  Lord  of  lords,  and  defend  error  with  the  zeal  due 
only  to  truth.  Saith  not  the  rule  of  our  faith  and  prac- 
tice, "  though  we,  or  an  angel  from  heaven,  preach  any 
other  gospel  unto  you  than  that  which  we  have  preached 
unto  you, let  him  be  accursed?"  "For  many  deceivers 
are  entered  into  the  world,  who  confess  not  that  Jesus 

Christ  is  come  in  the  flesh. Whosoever  transgresseth, 

and  abideth  not  in  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  hath  not  God. 
He  that  abideth  in  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  he  hath  both 
the  Father  and  the  Son.  If  there  come  any  unto  you,  and 
bring  not  this  doctrine,  receive  him  not  into  your  house, 
neither  bid  him  God  speed:  for  he  that  biddeth  him  God 
speed,  is  partaker  of  his  evil  deeds."  What  person,  who 
religiously  receives  these  words  of  God,  can  be  expected, 
by  any  but  one  beside  himself,  to  have  fellowship  with 
the  enemies  of  the  cross  of  Christ? 

Concerning  him,  who  goeth  about  like  a  roaring  lion,  seek- 


A  SERMON.  265 

ing  whom  he  may  devour,  unbelievers  entertain  false  ima- 
ginations. By  some  wonderful  magic  they  have  deprived 
satan  of  his  disposition  and  power  to  do  Injury.  The 
murderer,  from  the  beginning,  has  become  so  much  the 
friend  of  souls,  that  he  is  willing  to  go  into  banishment: 
and  of  course,  these  deluded  persons  have  ordered  the 
name  of  devil  to  be  expunged  from  the  holy  Scriptures. 
Now,  believers  are  not  to  resist  the  devil,  because  he  has 
become  a  phantom:  and  should  Paul  again  attempt  to  de- 
liver an  excommunicated  person  to  satan,  that  he  might 
learn  not  to  blaspheme,  he  would  deliver  him  to  a  large 
black  picture  in  the  child's  "  hieroglyphical  biblej"  for 
other  devils,  according  to  modern  Socinianism,  exist  not. 

Such  are  the  false  imaginations  of  maniacs!  Alas! 
such  are  the  false  imaginations  of  impenitent  sinners! 

II.  Maniacs  often  argue  sagaciously  from  false  princi- 
ples; and  so  do  the  enemies  of  Christianity.  Falsehood 
is  often  the  foundation  of  ingenious  speculation.  The 
lunatic  receives  it  for  truth  that  he  is  an  emperor,  and 
then  reasons  very  correctly,  that  you  ought  to  pay  him 
the  homage  due  to  imperial  dignity.  Were  his  first  prin- 
ciple true,  his  inference  would  be  just.  The  deluded  per- 
son, who  thought  himself  glass,  argued  rationally,  that 
great  care  was  necessary  to  prevent  his  being  dashed  into 
pieces.  In  the  same  manner  the  impenitent  evince,  that 
they  are  beside  themselves. 

"  Humanity  is  not  depraved,"  say  they,  and  of  course 
infer,  that  regeneration  is  an  idle  dream;  that  the  un- 
sanctified  children  of  wrath,  have  by  nature  very  evangeli- 
cal minds,*  and  are  prepared  for  the  enjoyment  of  a  holy 

•  A  young  clergyman  was  present,  who  pretends  that  he  was  once 

VOL.  I.  Z 


266  THE  MANIAC, 

God  in  heaven.  All  impenitent  sinners  do  not  reason 
from  the  same  principles;  but  like  natural  maniacs,  each 
has  his  peculiar  chain  of  argumentation;  each,  his  own 
rein  of  madness.  One  takes  it  for  granted,  that  the  ever- 
lasting punishment  of  the  wicked  is  inconsistent  with  the 
divine  attributes;  and  consequently  deduces  this  inference, 
that  no  one  shall  depart  accursed,  to  suffer  the  vengeance 
of  eternal  fire.  It  should  first  be  proved  that  God  is  too 
good  to  be  just;  too  kind  to  execute  his  awful  threaten- 
ings;  and  so  merciful,  that  he  cannot  pardon  one  rebel, 
without  teaching,  that  the  law  never  had  a  penalty,  and 
that  *'  hell's  broad  path  leads  round  to  heaven's  door.*'t 

A  second  person,  who  is  beside  himself,  receives  it  as 
an  established  truth,  that  God  has  never  made  a  revela- 
tion to  man;  and  therefore  infers,  that  all  the  promises, 
denunciations,  precepts,  parables  and  histories  of  the 
Bible,  constitute  *'a  tale  of  other  times." 

A  third  madman  is  confident,  that  there  is  no  future 
state  of  existence,  and  hence  argues  that  he  has  notlidng 
to  hope,  nothing  to  fear,  beyond  the  grave.  He  is  rational 
in  refusing  to  ask,  "what  shall  I  do  to  be  saved?"  He 
exclaims,  "  let  me  enjoy  myself  to-day;  to-morrow  I  die: 
and  let  eternity  take  care  of  itself." 

Here  is  the  mischief.  Sinners  attempt  to  suspend  a 
chain  from  heaven,  without  making  fast  the  first  link;  to 
build  a  temple  of  happiness,  without  laying  the  founda- 
tion; to  enter  the  celestial  abodes,  without  passing  through 
the  only  possible  avenue.  Christ  is  the  door:  but  with 
frantic  joy,  they  are  climbing  up  some  other  way. 

a  Calvinlst.     He  was  asked  if  his  wife  was  hopefully  pious,  and  his 
answer  was, "  why,  she  always  had  by  nature  a  very  evangelical  mind." 
t  Triumph  of  Infidelity. 


A  SERMON.  267 

A  fourth  says,  "the  way  of  transgressors  is  not  hard. 
It  will  not  lead  to  misery.**  It  follows,  then,  that  he  may 
safely  persevere  in  enmity  to  God.  Every  enemy  of  the 
cross  of  Christ  is  arguing,  in  some  manner,  from  false 
principles,  to  convince  himself,  that  he  is  in  a  state  of 
peace,  safety,  and  felicity.  He  deceives  himself.  He 
loves  the  delusion.     Is  not  this  person  beside  himself? 

HI.  Maniacs  are  often  supremely  attached  to  trifles, 
and  so  are  all  unbelievers.  You,  who  have  been  person- 
ally acquainted  with  the  unhappy  beings,  who  are  derang- 
ed in  mind,  may  have  heard  them  rant  for  hours,  about 
some  little  injury  which  had  being  only  in  imagination: 
or  you  may  have  seen  them  weary  themselves  to  catch 
what  existed  only  in  a  madman*s  eye.  Early  and  late 
each  lunatic  thinks  and  speaks  upon  the  favourite  theme; 
when  it  is  of  no  importance.  Many  of  these  people  fill 
their  abodes  with  feathers,  sticks,  straws,  and  bones,  and 
dote  upon  them,  as  an  antiquary  upon  his  cabinet  of  cu- 
riosities, or  a  miser  upon  his  treasures. 

So  frantic  are  they,  in  their  attachment  to  trifles,  that 
they  deny  themselves  necessary  food  to  acquire  them. 

The  Christian  poet  has  admirably  described  one  of 
these  wretched  beings. 

"  And  now  she  roams 

The  dreary  waste;  there  spends  the  livelong  day, 
And  there,  unless  when  charity  forbids, 
The  livelong  night/' 


**  She  begs  an  idle  pin  of  all  she  meets, 
And  hoards  them  in  her  sleeve;  but  needful  food, 
Though  press'd  with  hunger  oft,  or  comelier  clothes, 
Though  pinch'd  with  cold,  asks  never." 


COWPKR, 


268  THE  MANIAC, 

In  like  manner,  the  wicked  are  madly  fond  of  pebble 
stones  and  shells.  They  love  dress,  houses,  gardens, 
equipages,  entertainments,  and  the  fashionable  amuse- 
ments of  the  metropolis,  more  than  the  immortal  soiri. 
They  ask  an  "  idle  pin,"  a  little  temporal  pleasure,  of  all 
they  meet;  but  never  pray,  "  liord,  give  us  everlasting 
life."  "Who  will  show  us  any  worldly  good?"  is  their 
cry;  and  not  this,  *' Lord,  lift  upon  us  the  light  of  thy 
countenance." 

Impenitent  sinners!  your  daily  conversation  and  con- 
duct prove  you  guilty  of  this  delirium.  You  rave  against 
the  cheat,  who  defrauds  you  of  a  shilling;  but  feel  no  in- 
dignation against  that  aggregate  of  iniquity,  which  made 
it  necessary  for  the  Son  of  God  to  die.  The  Scriptures 
demand,  "  oughtnot  Christ  to  have  suffered  these  things;" 
"  to  have  shed  his  blood  for  the  remission  of  sins?"  and 
you  reply,  "we  see  in  man  nothing  exceedingly  sinful; 
and  instead  of  condemning,  we  pity  his  imperfections,  inci- 
dental to  humanity.  We  trust  a  little  discipline  will  re- 
claim and  rectify  him:  and  prepare  him  to  enjoy  a  holy 
heaven,  a  holy  God!"  Should  anyone  touch  your  pro- 
perty, or  lift  up  his  little  finger  against  your  fame,  you 
would  swell  with  resentment;  but  let  any  one  sooth  your 
disturbed  conscience  by  bland  expressions,  or  by  some 
pleasingillusionbeguileyouof  heaven,  and  with  a  lunatic's 
good  nature,  you  bless  the  destroying,  the  accursed  com- 
panion. You  love  to  have  your  attention  fixed  to  your 
favourite  toys:  you  smile,  if  any  one  counts  the  number 
of  your  brass  pins,  or  admires  the  elegance  of  your  man- 
sion: but  if  any  faithful  friend  urges  you  to  be  clothed 
with  Christ's  righteousness;  to  be  fed  with  the  bread  of 
life,  instead  of  starving  on  husks;  to  be  comforted  with 


A  SERMON.  269 

the  consolations  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  you  turn  away  in 
disdain,  or  gnash  your  teeth  in  resentment.  You  shun 
him  who  would  bring  you  to  your  senses;  and  court  his 
society,  who  cherishes  all  your  hopes  of  sublunary  bliss. 
Your  affections  have  never  been  set  on.  heavenly  things. 
They  are  given  to  phantoms.  You  retire  to  rest  with  a 
novel  for  your  prayer-book,  or  awake  and  consult  your 
leger  as  the  oracle  of  God. 

IV.  Maniacs  are  commonly  their  own  worst  enemies; 
and  so  are  all  the  opposers  of  Christianity.  You  know, 
my  hearers,  that  the  delirious  even  hang,  or  starve,  or 
drown  themselves.  What  produces  his  agony  who  is  foam- 
ing with  madness?  His  own  imagination.  Look  at  the  de- 
moniac among  the  tombs.  Who  injured  his  body  in  this 
dreadful  manner.^  He  mangled  his  own  flesh  with  stones. 

Who,  now,  occasions  the  sinner's  destruction?  It  is  not 
God;  for  he  says,  ''  as  I  live,  I  have  no  pleasure  in  the 
death  of  the  sinner."  It  is  not  the  adversary;  for  he  can 
only  tempt  and  accuse.  He  has  not  the  power  of  compul- 
sion. '*  O  Israel,  thou  hast  destroyed  thyself."  *'  They 
that  observe  lying  vanities  forsake  their  own  mercy." 

Every  one  who  dies  in  unbelief,  brings  ruin  upon  his 
own  head.  Who  causes  this  starving  wretch's  hunger? 
A  feast  is  made  ready:  he  is  solicited  to  attend:  but  he 
refuses:  he  had  rather  perish,  than  live  upon  the  clemency 
of  God.  Who  exposes  the  bedlamite  to  the  chill  blasts  of 
winter?  He  will  not  receive  clothing  from  the  wardrobe 
of  heaven.  Who  consigns  the  ungodly  to  misery?  They 
are  madly  bent  on  destruction.  O  sinner,  thou  art  beside 
thyself. 

V.  Maniacs  are  insensible  to  imminent  danger;  and  so 
are  the  enemies  of  the  cross  of  Christ.     They  will  laugh 


270  THE  MANIAC, 

while  exposed  to  shipwreck,  sleep  on  a  precipice,  or  cast 
stones  at  the  lightnings  of  Jehovah.  When  the  wicked 
are  warned,  they  mock  at  peril.  While  the  deluge  hangs 
over  them,  they  insult  the  preacher  of  righteousness. 
When  the  Lord  cometh  out  of  his  place,  to  shake  terribly 
the  earth,  they  are  unmoved.  Although  it  is  said,  ^'  if  any 
man  love  not  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  let  him  be  anathema, 
maranatha,"  let  him  be  consigned  to  eternal  perdition, 
when  the  Lord  shall  come  to  judgment,  yet  they  have  no 
apprehension  of  danger.  Some  are  so  hardy  as  to  defy 
the  Lord,  saying,"  who  is  the  Almighty,  that  we  should  fear 
him;  or  his  Son,  that  we  should  adore  him?" 

The  sinner  is  at  sea,  in  a  leaky  bark.  Over  him  the 
clouds  are  full  of  Sinai's  thunder.  The  storm  begins  to 
descend;  but  he  has  no  anxiety.  One  would  think  he  had 
Almighty  power  to  inspire  him  with  such  confidence.  He 
seems  to  slumber,  in  full  persuasion  that  he  shall  awake 
in  season,  command  the  winds  and  waves  to  obey  him,  and 
instantly  arrive  at  the  desired  haven.  He  neither  examines 
his  chart,  nor  puts  forth  an  oar,  but  is  tossed  hither  and 
thither  by  every  wind  of  doctrine;  is  borne  aloft  on  the 
surges  which  challenge  the  tempest;  and  then  sinks  down 
to  the  sides  of  the  pit.  In  such  a  situation  he  slumbers,  or 
awakes  to  sing, 

"  Of  love's  soft  anguish,  and  of  grief  supreme  j*'* 
imagines  that  the  sea  of  life  is  calm,  and  believes  himself 
secure  of  a  protracted  time  for  repentance,  because  "  his 
bosom,"  sportive,  dances  "  to  nature's  boundless  charms." 

He  feels  secure;  but  when  mercy  no  longer  pleads  for- 
bear,  he  will  sink  into  the  bottomless  abyss,  and  find  that 
vengeance  belongs  to  the  character  of  a  benevolent  Deity. 
•  Falconer. 


A  SERMON.  271 

Lastly.  Maniacs  cannot  be  convinced  that  they  are  be- 
side themselves.  Neither  can  the  impenitent.  Indeed, 
nothing  enrages  a  madman  more,  than  to  tell  him  serious- 
ly, and  affectionately,  that  he  is  under  the  guidance  of  a 
distempered  mind.  In  a  rage  too,  impenitent  sinners 
accuse  the  ministers,  people,  and  word  of  God,  of  mad- 
ness. Who  was  he  that  said,  "Because  I  tell  you  the 
truth,  ye  believe  me  not?"  It  was  the  God  who  dwelt 
among  us.  "  So  then  I  have  become  your  enemy,"  ex- 
claimed an  apostle,  "because  I  tell  you  the  truth!"*  We 
need  no  other  evidence  that  '^  madness  is  in  their  heart  while 
they  live'*     Of  all  sin,  the  pious  Newton  has  well  said, 

**  'Tis  palsy,  plague,  and  fever. 
And  madness  all  combin'd; 
And  none  but  a  believer 
The  least  relief  can  find." 

To  those,  who  confess  the  insanity  of  sin  and  the  mad- 
ness of  unbelief,  God  has  given  the  spirit  of  power  ^  andoflove^ 
and  OF  A  SOUND  mind.  Other  persons  are  prevented  by 
their  delirium  of  sin,  from  perceiving  that  they  are  poor, 
miserable,  blind  and  naked  ;  and  that  they  take  the  most 
effectual  measures  to  exclude  relief. 

Let  the  sons  of  pleasure,  the  men  of  science,  the  fair, 
the  honourable,  and  the  mighty  of  this  world,  consider 
these  things.  Especially  let  those  who  profess  to  preach 
Christ,  and  preach  him  not,  reflect  that  of  all  insane  per- 
sons they  are  the  most  dangerous  and  culpable.  To  be  a 
mad  teacher  of  madmen,  an  insane  physician  of  lunatics, 

a  blind  leader  of  the  blind "  O  my  soul,  come  not 

thou  into  their  secret ;  unto  their  assembly,  mine  honour, 
be  not  thou  united!" 

*  Macknight's  Translation. 


272  THE  MANIAC,  A  SERMON. 

It  should  be  had  in  everlasting  remembrance,  that  con- 
cerning some  it  is  written,  because  they  receive  not  the 
love  of  the  truth, "  for  this  cause  God  shall  send  them  strong 
delusion,  that  they  should  believe  a  lie:  that  they  all  might 
be  damned  w^ho  believed  not  the  truth,  but  had  pleasure 
in  unrighteousness.'* 


END   OF  VOL.    I. 


L 


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